Safe Pass Health and Safety Legislation Ireland 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What must every employee do under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005?
- Take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others (Correct answer)
- Write their own safety statement
- Hire a safety officer
- Purchase their own PPE regardless of employer obligations
Correct answer: Take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others
Section 13 of the 2005 Act requires employees to take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.
Question 2: What is a 'competent person' as defined in Irish safety legislation?
- Someone with sufficient training, experience and knowledge to perform a task safely (Correct answer)
- A person with a university degree
- Any employee over 25 years of age
- A foreman on site
Correct answer: Someone with sufficient training, experience and knowledge to perform a task safely
A competent person is defined as someone who has sufficient training, experience, and knowledge appropriate to the nature of the work to be undertaken.
Question 3: Under Irish law, can an employee be penalised for reporting a safety concern?
- No, employees are protected from penalisation (Correct answer)
- Yes, if the concern is minor
- Only if they bypass the supervisor
- Yes, during probation periods
Correct answer: No, employees are protected from penalisation
The 2005 Act protects employees from penalisation for reporting safety concerns or exercising their safety rights in good faith.
Question 4: What is the maximum fine for a summary conviction under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005?
- €3,000 (Correct answer)
- €500
- €10,000
- €1,000
Correct answer: €3,000
A summary conviction under the 2005 Act can result in a fine of up to €3,000 and/or up to 6 months imprisonment.
Question 5: Who must be consulted when preparing a Safety Statement?
- Employees or their safety representatives (Correct answer)
- Only the company director
- The local fire brigade
- The insurance company
Correct answer: Employees or their safety representatives
Employers must consult with employees or their elected safety representatives when preparing and reviewing the Safety Statement.
Question 6: What regulation specifically covers construction work safety in Ireland?
- Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 (Correct answer)
- Building Control Act 1990
- Planning and Development Act 2000
- Roads Act 1993
Correct answer: Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 specifically regulate health and safety on construction sites in Ireland.
Safe Pass Health and Safety Legislation Ireland 2
What must every employee do under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005?