HSA to step up inspections in safety campaign

The Health and Safety Authority is to step up the numbers of inspections it carries out and establish a new Special Investigations Unit in a bid to reduce workplace accidents.

There were 50 people killed in workplace accidents in Ireland last year. However, last month saw eight people die, making it the worst January for a decade.

The pledges are among a number laid out in the HSA's Programme for Work 2005, which was unveiled today.

Others include promises to continue the policy of using various initiatives, alliances and targeted programmes to improve safety, assist workplaces in implementation of the new Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act when it is enacted later this year and to develop a national strategy to promote occupational health.

The HSA is also to be restructured to improve its contacts with workplaces.

The chief executive of the HSA, Mr Tom Beegan, said he was "deeply concerned" at last month's fatalities.

"We need employers and workers to see health and safety as a vital part of their working requirements and not some optional extra," said Mr Beegan.

"The costs of failure both in human and commercial terms are immense. It saves money in the long run to put health and safety at the core of companies activities and we know it will save lives."

The Minister for Labour Affairs, Mr Tony Killeen, TD, said this afternoon the main emphasis must remain on preventing accidents. "We cannot take our foot off the pedal in terms of enforcement, inspection of workplaces and making awareness a top priority," he said.