Inspection Results
Inspectors collect information from inspections and record the results on the Authority’s IT System.
In addition to capturing the name and address of the employer and the address of the workplace, the Inspector also enters details relating to the date of the inspection, the number of persons employed and may enter comments relating to the Inspection. The Inspector will capture the name(s), role and contact details of the person(s) they interacted with during the inspection.
Inspectors will then respond to questions relating to general health and safety issues, the presence and quality of the safety statement, the appointment of a safety representative, and if accidents are being reported,
The Inspector will assess and record the level of consultation between the employer and employees on safety matters and the awareness of senior management to their duties under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.
The results of an inspection are discussed with the duty holder in the first instance. A hand written report of inspection can be left with the employer and a copy with the Safety Rep identifying items requiring attention. If more serious contraventions are observed then the inspector may require the use of any activity, article, or substance to be restricted, improved or prohibited and will issue the appropriate enforcement action. Where enforcement Action in the form of either an Improvement Notice or Prohibition Notice is proposed this will be explained to the duty holder prior to serving the Notice. A copy of the relevant Notice will be given to the safety committee/representative (where present).
Under the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 & 2003 the public has no right to access information relating to enforcement action, such as inspection reports/Enforcement Notices or to individual inspection details recorded on the Authority’s Computer System.
Inspectors may also call at a Workplace to investigate a specific event such as an accident, dangerous occurrence or a complaint made against an employer. The aims of an investigation is to determine the underlying cause of an accident or dangerous occurrence and to establish any remedial action that may be necessary, or to conclude if a complaint is justified and again to ensure any remedial action is undertaken. Details of all investigations are also recorded on the Authority’s Computer System and the restrictions under the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 & 2003 again apply.
Inspectors may also require answers to specific sectoral questions if the employer is involved in a particular work sector such as construction, quarrying, manufacturing etc and record their assessment on the Authority’s Computer System
Inspectors can also select to enter information concerning topics identified at the workplace such as exposure to physical agents (noise, dust, vibration), or specific issues such as manual handling, bullying or workplace vehicle safety.
The responses to these questions are either in the format of Yes/No/Not Applicable or are based upon the actions taken by the inspector as a result of the inspection as shown below.
The Information gathered from these responses are collated, reviewed and may be used to influence future inspection planning.
The Inspector can also record details of any enforcement action taken during an inspection or an investigation. Enforcement action includes verbal advice, written advice, improvement and prohibition notices.