Ireland: Health and safety

Original and updating author: Mark Carley

Summary

• Employers are required to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare of employees at work. (See General)
• Employers and employees have various duties regarding health and safety. (See Duties on employers and employees)
• Employers have specific health and safety duties regarding certain matters and types of work. (See Specific duties)
• Employees are entitled to appoint a safety representative to represent them in consultations with their employer on matters related to safety, health and welfare. (See Safety representatives)
• A safety committee may be used as the channel for obligatory employee consultation on safety, health and welfare matters if certain statutory requirements are met. (See Safety committees)
• The statutory Health and Safety Authority promotes occupational health and safety and enforces legislation. (See Enforcement and penalties)
• Workers who are injured in a workplace accident or become ill as a result of work activity are entitled to seek compensation. (See Compensation for injury or illness)