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News release

29 November 2010 - NR 58/10

Budget cuts must not compromise workers’ safety and well-being – leading health and safety body warns

Ireland’s four-year budget plan could put the safety and wellbeing of workers at risk as managers look to cut costs – Ireland’s leading professional health and safety body has warned.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Ireland Branch fears proposals to cut public sector jobs and the minimum wage could result in excessive working hours, ageing equipment and lack of training – the “hidden dangers” of budget deficit reduction.

The Government of Ireland is aiming to save €15billion from 2011 to 2014 and has now reached an agreement over a bail-out worth €85bn.

IOSH Ireland Branch Chair Declan Gibney said: “We do not wish to enter into the political debate, but we would urge hard-pressed managers in both the public and private sectors to at least maintain health and safety standards and consider the impact of any changes on their staff and business.

"When looking to meet savings targets, corners can end up being cut when it comes to properly safeguarding the health and safety of staff.

“The dangers posed by cost-cutting to people involved in delivering or using public services are hidden behind all the talk of how fast and by how much our country’s budget deficit is reduced.

“We want the Irish Government to think about the implications of impending cutbacks on the safety, health and wellbeing not only of employees, but of the people who use services.”

In the last two years the Irish economy has slumped by 13 per cent and unemployment has risen from just over four per cent to nearly 14 per cent.

Now, with belts ever tightening, IOSH wants the Government to make cast-iron assurances that its workers remain a top priority as departments look to make savings.

The chartered body called on the Government to ensure its managers are well-trained and follow sensible health and safety guidelines as they look at where and how to cut costs, including:

• Assess the effect of proposed changes on the control of hazards in your workplace
• Ensure your department’s re-organisation leaves adequate levels of trained and competent staff in areas which can have a safety impact
• Make sure staff are kept fully abreast of organisational changes before, during and after they happen – and monitor their impact
• Provide training and support to staff with new or different roles

Mr Gibney added: “In 2009, 43 people were killed at work and in 2008 an estimated 17,900 people suffered an injury that forced them to take more than three days off work.

"These statistics are too high, but by setting out clear advice to managers about how savings can be made without putting people at greater risk of stress, injury and illness, the Government will avoid adding to this terrible toll.”

- Ends -

Notes for editors:

IOSH is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals. With more than 40,000 members in 85 countries, we’re the world’s biggest professional health and safety organisation.

We set standards, and support, develop and connect our members with resources, guidance, events and training. We’re the voice of the profession, and campaign on issues that affect millions of working people.

IOSH was founded in 1945 and is a registered charity with international NGO status.