Dublin TD calls for more HSA inspections of building sites over Covid concerns

Dublin South Central TD Bríd Smith has described as “extremely worrying” the levels of HSA inspections on building sites showing widespread failings in Covid safety protocols.

Citing a recent reply to a Dáil question that showed 43% of building site inspections found areas that needed improvements after inspections, the People Before Profit TD said this supported anecdotal reports that the industry had high levels of noncompliance with Covid safety procedures.

The parliamentary question reply from Minister Leo Varadkar showed that in 43% of inspections of building sites there were issues with Covid regulations that needed “improvements”.

Bríd Smith TD said in reaction to this reply:

“There are two concerns here- the first is that we need to know the nature of these failings on sites.

“The construction industry is one of the largest workplaces and I have received worrying reports from workers about the noncompliance of some sites with basic Covid safety measures.

“Additionally, we know from talking to workers that follow up, in terms of tracing after positive Covid cases, is not adequate.

“The 43% noncompliance in these cases is extremely worrying considering the total number of sites we have in the state.”

The TD also said the total number of inspections remained inadequate.

“While these figures are an improvement from the numbers we saw back in April and May they are still wholly inadequate,” Deputy Smith said.

“If we are to properly enforce Covid safety in workplaces, then workers need to be sure we have an agency and regulatory oversight that is up for the job.

“14 inspections on building sites since Level 5 restrictions came in is nowhere near the number we need and, tellingly, while we debate imposing fines on individuals there is no such determination to fine employers who are in breach of these regulations.”

The TD called for more inspectors in the HSA and greater enforcement measures where sites and employers were found to be in breach of safety protocols.