Construction Safety Ireland Flashcards

Under Irish Construction Regulations 2013, what must be prepared before construction work begins on a project with more than one contractor?

Answer: A Safety and Health Plan prepared by the Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS)

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 require a preliminary Safety and Health Plan to be prepared before construction begins on projects with more than one contractor. The PSCS must develop and maintain this plan throughout the project, coordinating safety among all contractors on site.

What is the AF2 form used for in Irish construction?

Answer: A notification form sent to the HSA before construction work begins on notifiable projects

The AF2 form is used to notify the Health and Safety Authority before construction work commences on projects that are expected to last more than 30 working days or involve more than 500 person-days of work. The PSCS or client must submit this form, and a copy must be displayed on site.

Under Irish law, what are the duties of an employee regarding workplace safety?

Answer: To take reasonable care of their own safety and others, cooperate with the employer, report hazards, use PPE provided, and not engage in improper conduct that could endanger anyone

Under Section 13 of the 2005 Act, employees must: take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others, cooperate with the employer on safety matters, report defects or hazards, not be under the influence of intoxicants, use PPE and safety equipment provided, and not engage in improper conduct that could endanger people.

What is a safety representative and what rights do they have under Irish law?

Answer: An employee selected and appointed by workers to represent them in safety matters; they have the right to inspect, investigate, receive information, make representations to the employer, and accompany HSA inspectors

Under Section 25 of the 2005 Act, workers may select a safety representative from among themselves. The safety representative has rights to: inspect the workplace, investigate accidents, receive information from the employer, make representations on safety matters, accompany HSA inspectors, and receive time off with pay for training.

What penalties can be imposed for breaches of health and safety law in Ireland?

Answer: On summary conviction: fines up to €5,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment; on indictment: fines up to €3,000,000 and/or 2 years imprisonment

The 2005 Act provides for significant penalties: summary conviction (District Court) can result in fines up to €5,000 and/or up to 6 months imprisonment. On indictment (Circuit/Higher Court), fines can reach €3,000,000 and/or up to 2 years imprisonment. Directors and managers can be personally prosecuted.

What is a risk assessment and what are the five steps to carrying one out?

Answer: A systematic process: (1) identify hazards, (2) identify who might be harmed, (3) evaluate the risks and decide on controls, (4) record findings and implement controls, (5) review and update regularly

A risk assessment is a careful examination of what could cause harm on site and whether sufficient precautions are in place. The HSA recommends five steps: identify hazards, determine who is at risk and how, evaluate the level of risk and decide on controls (eliminate, reduce, protect), record and implement findings, and review and update the assessment regularly.