The Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005

Who does the Act apply to?

The Act applies to all employers, self-employed persons and employees in all places of work.
The Act also applies to designers, suppliers, manufacturers, persons who procure a construction project and others.

What are the main areas covered by the Act?
The main headers concerning employers include:

		Duties of employer
		Duties of employee
		General duties of persons in control of places of work
		General duties of designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers of articles and substances
		Duties related to construction work
		Hazard identification and risk assessment
		Safety statement
		Duty of employers to co-operate
		Health surveillance
		Safety representatives
		Onus of proof
		Liability of Directors

When did the 2005 Act become law?

The Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 became law on 1st September 2005, replacing the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989

What are the main differences between the 2005 Act and the 1989 Act

		extended duties of employers
		extended duties of contractors, suppliers, designers and landlords
		new definitions
		enhanced provisions on the role of safety representatives and the safety and health consultation process
		new penalties for breaches of health and safety legislation
		defined role of the Health and Safety Authority
		health surveillance and medical fitness to work requirements
		provision for testing for intoxicants
		protection for employees and safety representatives against being penalised

For more information on the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 or to find out how we can help you with your legal duties, call Business Safety on 0818 333 212 or email us.

Download a copy of the Act here

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