Essential points

  • Health and safety legislation is a distinct branch of legislation within the broad field of employment related legislation.
  • More than 20 different acts of the Oireachtas (parliament) and more than 200 statutory instruments make up the body of health and safety legislation.
  • The most important acts and statutory instruments are the framework Act, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007. Both apply across the spectrum of employment sectors.
  • There is specific health and safety legislation relating to mines and quarries, dangerous substances, the carriage of dangerous goods by road, railways and chemicals.
  • As well as acts and statutory instruments, there are a number of codes of practice which have a legal status.
  • A code with significant cross sectoral relevance is the Code of Practice on the Prevention and Resolution of Bullying at Work.
  • While the various acts and statutory instruments are national measures, modern Irish health and safety legislation is derived from European directives and, while some details may be different, any person from another member state of the European Union will find that the legislation is similar to that in their own country.

Content

To continue reading, log in or become a member

Affiliate membership offers instant access to CIPD resources without the need for assessments or study, or explore your options to become a professional member of the CIPD to demonstrate your commitment to the world of work.

  • Access to exclusive, up-to-date resources
  • Become part of a community to learn, debate and connect with other people professionals
  • Free access to a series of CIPD learning courses and a discount on the rest of our catalogue
Instant access Explore membership

Please note

While every care has been taken in compiling this content, neither the CIPD nor Byrne Wallace Shields may be held responsible for any errors or omissions. These notes are not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice.

 

Employment
law advice

Want more employment law advice? Members can take out a discounted subscription to HR-inform for additional resources.

HR-inform Ireland
Callout Image
  • Data

    Data hub

    Explore the evidence behind workforce trends