The Safety Health and Welfare as Work Act 2005 was a piece of legislation that was instated in Ireland to help ensure the safety of employees throughout the nation. Under the Act, employers must complete all steps necessary to ensure the safety and protection of his/her employees.
The legislation requires companies to employ a knowledgeable individual to manage and oversee safety conditions in work environments. This individual is responsible for identifying any existing hazards and taking steps to reduce or negate the threat posed by these condition.
The Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 states that work environments must undergo regular risk assessments and employees must be informed of any potential hazards. This will help employees to avoid work place hazards and reduce the amount of work related injuries.
In addition, the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires employers to provide their employees with relevant safety training. Any machinery that is operated by manufacturers must be safe and pose no threat to employees. The legislation prohibits employees from working while intoxicated. If an employer has reason to suspect that an employee is intoxicated, intoxication testing procedures may occur.
Individuals who take time off of work to acquire adequate training for safety representative positions and safety representatives who report safety or health hazards, are not to be penalized. In the event that a manager or a corporations fails to successfully initiate all proper safety precautions and comply with safety obligations, he/she may be imprisoned or issued an extensive fine.
