The Health and Safety Authority has had to issue a Safety alert as a result of a number of fatal accidents involving confined spaces in the workplace.
The Authority has now published a detailed Code of Practise for people working in confined spaces. It is often hazardous for employees to be working in poorly ventilated spaces with a deficiency of oxygen or where there are items left on the ground which could cause workers to trip and fall and sustain injuries.
The Statutory Regulations that govern confined spaces are contained in the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Regulations of 2001. These provide as follows:-
- A person shall not carry out work in confined spaces if it is reasonably practical that it could be avoided.
- If the work cannot be carried out other than in a confined area a risk assessment must be carried out before the work starts.
- A person shall not enter a confined space unless there is a system of work in place that has been planned, organised, performed and maintained to render the work safe.
- Anyone entering a confined space must be provided with appropriate information, training and instruction.
Moloney & Co Solicitors have acted for many employees who have been injured as a result of working in confined spaces which were not properly risk assessed. Serious injuries can occur to workers as a result. If you have had such an accident and wish to know more about your legal rights, please contact Liam Moloney Solicitor today at 045-898000 or simply email him at liammoloney@moloneysolicitors.ie for further advice.
