safety health & welfare at work Act 2005

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Questions and Answers

What is an employee's responsibility regarding the influence of intoxicants in the workplace?

They can drink intoxicants during breaks.

They must not be under the influence of an intoxicant. (correct)

They should report others who are under the influence.

They may consume intoxicants if they do not affect their work.

Which of the following is a duty of a Safety Representative under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005?

To manage all safety training programs.

To report directly to law enforcement.

To enforce penalties on non-compliant employees.

To assist in advising employees of their H&S obligations. (correct)

What entitlement do Safety Representatives have regarding training?

They are entitled to time off work without loss of remuneration for training. (correct)

They must pay for their own training.

They can receive training at their own expense.

They can choose not to attend training sessions.

What is a potential consequence for an employee under the influence of intoxicants in the workplace?

They could endanger their own or others' health and safety. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary responsibility of employees under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005?

comply with health & safety measures set out in the safety statement Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Safety Representatives is incorrect?

They cannot advise employees on health and safety arrangements Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario may employees be subjected to testing for intoxicants?

If a doctor deems it necessary in certain circumstances Signup and view all the answers

What right do employees have if they face penalties under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005?

To appeal against any penalty imposed Signup and view all the answers

What could happen if an employee is found under the influence of an intoxicant while at work?

They could be dismissed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the central purpose of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005?

To reduce workplace injuries and ensure a safe working environment. Signup and view all the answers

What must employers provide to ensure workplace safety according to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005?

Safe workplaces and necessary services without charge. Signup and view all the answers

What specific action must employers take if they have three or more employees?

Prepare and review a safety statement. Signup and view all the answers

How should employers ensure that health and safety information is conveyed to employees?

In a form and language that employees are likely to understand. Signup and view all the answers

What must an employer do if workplace hazards cannot be eliminated?

Provide appropriate personal protective equipment at no cost. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups is not expressly mentioned as having specific duties under the Act?

Volunteers Signup and view all the answers

What is required of employers regarding the reporting of accidents according to the Act?

Report accidents and dangerous occurrences to the relevant authority. Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for designers, manufacturers, and importers under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005?

They must guarantee that proper testing and safety information is provided. Signup and view all the answers

What is a safety statement in the context of the Act?

A written document specifying how health and safety will be managed. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is prohibited for employees regarding Health and Safety equipment?

Deliberately interfering with safety equipment. Signup and view all the answers

What right does a safety representative have under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005?

To accompany a safety inspector during workplace inspections. Signup and view all the answers

What is an employee's obligation regarding health and safety training?

To participate in the training provided by the employer. Signup and view all the answers

What additional support is provided to safety representatives for training?

They are entitled to time off work without loss of remuneration. Signup and view all the answers

How should employees report health and safety defects at work?

They must report defects immediately. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary duty of employees concerning health and safety equipment provided by the employer?

To ensure it is used properly. Signup and view all the answers

When should an (non lethal) accident that results in the employee being unable to work be reported to the HSA?

After 3 days, not including the day of the accident. Signup and view all the answers

When should an accident resulting in death be reported to the HSA?

Immediately Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Employee Responsibilities under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005

Employees must not be under the influence of intoxicants in the workplace
An employee’s intoxication may endanger their own or others’ health and safety
A doctor may subject employees in specific circumstances or sectors to testing for intoxicants
Employees can appeal against any penalty they receive

Safety Representatives under the Act

Safety Representatives can assist other company representatives in advising employees of their obligations regarding health and safety
They are entitled to time off work, without losing pay, to receive appropriate training
They are protected from being disadvantaged in their employment because of their role as a safety representative

### Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 replaces the 1989 Act.
Employees must not be under the influence of an intoxicant in the workplace.
Employees may endanger their own or other people's health and safety if they are under the influence of an intoxicant.
A doctor may subject employees to testing for intoxicants in particular circumstances or sectors.
Employees have an avenue of appeal against any penalty.

Employees’ Responsibilities

Employees must comply with their company’s safety, health and welfare arrangements.

The Safety Representative

The Safety Representative can assist other company representatives in advising employees of their obligation to comply with their company's safety, health and welfare arrangements.
The Safety Representative is entitled to time off work, without loss of remuneration, to receive appropriate training.
The Safety Representative is entitled not to be placed at any disadvantage in their employment for being a safety representative.

Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005

Replaces the 1989 Act
One of the most important pieces of legislation governing health and safety in Ireland
Aims to prevent workplace accidents, illnesses, and dangerous occurrences
Imposes significantly increased fines and penalties for non-compliance

Employer Responsibilities

Design, provide, and maintain a safe workplace
Ensure safe access and egress (way out)
Provide safe plant/machinery and safe systems of work
Prevent risks from the use of substances or exposure to physical agents, noise, and radiation
Provide information, training, and supervision regarding health and safety to employees in a form and language they understand
Prepare and review a safety statement if employing 3 or more individuals
Adhere to a special code of practice developed by the HSA if employing fewer than 3 employees
Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) without charge when hazards cannot be eliminated or fully controlled
Appoint a competent person to advise on compliance with health and safety law
Prepare and revise emergency plans and procedures
Report accidents and dangerous occurrences to the HSA

Employee Responsibilities

Comply with relevant safety and health laws
Cooperate with their employer/designated person regarding health and safety at work
Participate in any health and safety training provided
Make proper use of PPE and safety equipment provided
Report defects or work that might endanger health and safety
Refrain from intentionally or recklessly interfering with or misusing equipment/PPE
Refrain from improper conduct that would compromise health and safety
May be subject to random alcohol and drug testing (some pharma companies and government departments)
Must not be under the influence of an intoxicant in the workplace
Have an avenue of appeal against any penalty

Other People with Duties Under the Act

Designers, Manufacturers, and Importers:
- Ensure that their designs, manufactured products, and imports are properly tested and safe
- Provide adequate information for safe and proper use
Those who Design or Construct a Place of Work:
- Appoint a competent person to ensure construction is carried out safely and without risk to health
Safety Representatives:
- Assess and participate in the company's health and safety management program
- Have several rights and powers under the Act when elected:
  - Right to information from the employer regarding the health and safety of employees (e.g., results of risk assessments and company's safety statement)
  - Right to make representations to the employer on behalf of employees regarding safety, health, and welfare at work
  - Right to accompany a safety inspector during workplace inspections
  - Right to make representations to the HSA and receive information or advice from an inspector
  - Right to investigate complaints/accidents as long as it does not interfere with investigations being carried out by inspector
- Can assist other company representatives in advising employees of their obligation to comply with their company's health and safety arrangements
- Are entitled to time off work, without loss of remuneration, to receive appropriate training
- Are entitled not to be placed at any disadvantage in their employment for being a safety representative

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Description

This quiz focuses on the responsibilities of employees under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act of 2005, as well as the roles and protections afforded to Safety Representatives. Test your knowledge on intoxication policies, employee rights, and the support systems in place for workplace safety.