Minister Kelleher Launches SIPTU’s - The Role of the Safety Representative Pocket Guide

Mr Billy Kelleher TD, Minister for Labour Affairs today (Monday 24th September 2007) launched SIPTU’s – The Role of the Safety Representative Pocket Guide at the SIPTU Offices in Connolly Hall Cork.

Speaking at the launch Minister Kelleher said: “Knowledge, education and awareness are the cornerstones on which workplace health and safety are built and the Pocket Guide is a great example of SIPTU’s commitment to the continued development of a culture of workplace safety in Ireland.”

The Minister continued: “I want to take this opportunity today to commend SIPTU on its initiative and innovation in producing this handy pocket -book on the role of the Safety Representative. SIPTU is one of the leading trade unions in prompting workplace safety. The role of the Safety Representative, which is provided for and defined in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 (Section 25), is crucial in the protection and promotion of worker safety and health - and this new guide will greatly assist in bringing this information to a wider audience.”

Minister Kelleher said: “I welcome and encourage the production of guides such as this to complement, not least, the Health and Safety Authority’s Guidelines on the 2005 Act; the 2006 Construction Regulations and its forthcoming Guidelines on the General Application Regulations, which come into operation on 1^st November next. This is one of the best ways to get the safety message across on the ground. It is imperative that we do our best to get the safety message across in as many ways as we can - to make workplace health and safety a fundamental part of everyday life. The Social Partners have played a vital role in promoting the occupational health and safety message and have been behind many projects which have made an impact. Launching this Pocket Guide today is certainly an innovative and practical way of ‘spreading the word’.

Concluding the Minister said: “The production of this guide sends out an important message about the commitment of SIPTU to the safety and welfare of all its members. I am sure it will be used well and I am certain it will make a valuable contribution to increasing its members’ awareness, knowledge and understanding of occupational health and safety matters. It is a goal that is achievable and an achievement that is worthwhile.”

ENDS/LA247