H.S.A. warns on safety standards

The increased number of fatalities in the quarrying sector can be attributed to a failure by industry to improve safety standards, the Health and Safety Authority has claimed.

H.S.A. inspector Pat Griffin says the increased number of fatalities can be blamed on the sector’s failure to improve standards.
So far this year four people have lost their lives, compared to one fatality in 2004.

Griffin says it can be difficult to penalise quarry owners, where poor practices and standards are uncovered. He said the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, which comes into effect this September, will provide for the imposition of on-the-spot-fines.