Health and Safety in the Workplace

1. Employer Responsibilities

Employers have a duty to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of their employees. This includes:

• Providing a safe workplace, including proper machinery, equipment, and work practices.
• Ensuring that the workplace is free from hazards (like fire, chemical, or physical dangers).
• Offering adequate training to employees on safety procedures and emergency protocols.
• Conducting regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards and taking steps to reduce or eliminate them.
• Ensuring there are fire safety procedures, including clear fire exits, extinguishers, and regular drills.
• Providing protective gear where necessary, such as helmets, gloves, or safety goggles.
• Setting up procedures for reporting accidents or dangerous incidents.

2. Employee Responsibilities

Employees also have a responsibility to take care of their own health and safety and that of their colleagues by:

• Following safety guidelines provided by the employer.
• Using protective equipment properly (e.g., wearing safety gear or using equipment safely).
• Reporting hazards or potential safety issues to their employer immediately.
• Not engaging in activities that might put others at risk (e.g., improper use of machinery or not following safety procedures).

3. Safety Representatives

• Employees can elect a safety representative who has the right to:
  • Represent them on health and safety matters.
  • Inspect the workplace and report safety concerns to management.
  • Receive information and training about safety.

4. Risk Assessments

Employers are required to carry out risk assessments to identify dangers in the workplace and take steps to prevent harm. This could include:

• Identifying potential hazards (e.g., slippery floors, heavy lifting).
• Deciding who might be at risk and how to minimize the risks (e.g., providing safety gear or improving work procedures).

5. Accidents and Compensation

• If an employee has an accident at work, they should report it immediately to their employer.
• If the employer is found to have been negligent, the employee may be entitled to compensation through the courts.

6. Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Employers who do not follow health and safety laws may face fines or other penalties.
• The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) monitors and enforces health and safety laws in Ireland. In practice however, the HSA can take a long time to investigate a report, and the workers are not entitled to an update on their report.
• Therefore, it is much more practical to engage with your union and colleagues to achieve direct results through industrial action.