Minister for Labour Affairs, Tony Killeen, launches new ‘Construction Regulations’ and Guidance

Mr. Tony Killeen, TD, Minister for Labour Affairs, today (Tuesday 3^rd October 2006) addressed a gathering at the launch of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2006 at the Alexander Hotel in Dublin. The regulations have been subject to a comprehensive public and stakeholder consultation during the drafting process.

Speaking at the launch Minister Killeen said: “these new regulations will tighten controls on appointments and contracts and I believe they will in particular ensure that red tape cannot screen any offenders from the rigours of the law”.

• The new Regulations will build on design and management requirements introduced in earlier regulations in 1995 and 2001. The Minister outlined the main changes to the regulations as follows:
• Modern contractual arrangements have informed the regulations for Clients and Project Supervisors. Timelines are now set out for Project Supervisors to be in place. Phase-in provisions of 18 months are provided for projects in motion before the regulations take effect on Nov 6^th.
• Designers must inform Clients of the requirement for a Project Supervisor for the Design Process.
• Clients and Project Supervisors must co-operate, particularly on the provision of information.
• Safety Advisers must be in place during construction where more than 100 people are at work on site. This provides an additional level of supervision for large, potentially complex projects.
• Other new additions for Contractors include requirements for the use of Explosives and for Road works.
• Construction Skills Certification cards will be required 18 months after Nov 6^th for 5 new tasks.
• Visibility aids will also be required for vehicles on-site, within 18 months for existing plant and within 6 months for new plant. These upgrades arise from research, which shows an increase in vehicle related accidents as the industry becomes more mechanised.

Minister Killeen pointed out that recent CSO figures show that output in the Construction sector has risen 80% since 2000 to a value of almost €32 billion in 2005. Construction workers, of which there are over 240,000, now make up over 12% of the workforce.

In 2005, 23 people lost their lives in accidents on construction sites making the Construction Industry second only to the agricultural sector as the most dangerous place to work. Injury rates for the sector are also well above average. Foreign workers are particularly vulnerable, up to 3 times more likely to be killed at work according to the latest Health & Safety Authority report.

Minister Killen said: “A safe, healthy workforce is essential to maintaining a productive industry. Last week the CSO reported that the Construction Industry contributed to 5% growth in the economy in Q2 of 2006. However, this has come at a high cost, with nine people losing their lives so far this year on construction sites.

“We have a duty of care to over 240,000 workers who are supporting one of our most important and vibrant sectors of our economy.

“Today I am asking the industry to take these Regulations and put them into practice. Think about the safety of workers at all stages of projects and allow enough time and make sure adequate resources are in place. Above all, be sure that lives are not jeopardised by over-zealous commercial interests. The Guidance is here to help you do this.

“I am also asking the Health & Safety Authority to place great emphasis on the enforcement of these Regulations. The Authority has committed to investing substantial resources to making this happen.

“I want to see all levels of the Industry work together to make one of our most important sectors one of the safest in which to work. Lets keep our industry healthy in all respects. I urge the industry to take the guidance and regulations on board and be prepared before the November 6^th commencement date”, the Minister concluded.

The Health & Safety Authority was also on hand to promote the Guidance it has developed for Design and Management under the new regulations. The Regulations themselves have also been simplified and restructured in an effort to provide a user-friendly text.

ENDS/LA210