What is a Safety Statement?
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A Safety Statement is a plan, in writing, which specifically identifies the hazards, assess the risks, identifies the controls to be put in place, the persons responsible and resources necessary to secure the safety of persons at work. It is required by Section 20 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. An employer should produce a written programme to safeguard:
The Safety Statement represents a commitment to safety and health. It should state how the employer will ensure employees, visitors, members of public & third parties safety and health and state the resources necessary to maintain and review safety and health laws and standards. The Safety Statement should influence all work activities, including
It is essential to write down the Safety Statement and put in place the arrangements needed to implement and monitor it. The Safety Statement must be made available to staff, and anyone else, showing that hazards have been identified and the risks assessed and eliminated or controlled.
These are some essential steps to ensure that an employer has fulfilled his/her obligations to employees when it comes to safety in the work place:
Why it is important to have a Safety Statement?
The main aim is to make sure that no one gets hurt or becomes ill. Therefore, carrying out Risk Assessments, preparing and implementing a Safety Statement and keeping both up to date will not in themselves prevent accidents and ill health but they will play a large part in reducing such accidents etc.
It is important to prepare a Safety Statement for:
Remember – A Safety Statement is required by Section 20 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to safeguard employees at place of work and other users of a work place area.
Failure to comply with the requirements of this safety statement provision is a criminal offence and can lead to severe penalties being imposed. Check out www.BeSmart.ie from the Health & Safety Authority (HSA) for advice on preparing one.
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