Carlow Local Authorities are committed to the provision of high quality relevant services in an open and responsive manner.
Phone: 059 9170300

Health and Safety

• Health and Safety Authority website ( external link )

Carlow Local Authorities does not play a role in the regulation and enforcement of health and safety legislation. In Ireland this role is undertaken by the Health and Safety Authority. The Council is responsible for ensuring the health and safety of all of its employees while at work, for service users, members of the public using Council premises and facilities, and for members of the public who could be affected by our work activities.

What is Health and Safety about ?

Health and safety is about preventing injuries and harm to health caused by work. Health and safety applies to employers, employees, members of the public, contractors in fact everyone. Poor health and safety can have serious consequences:

1. Death or serious injury to persons
2. Prosecution
3. Civil claims
4. Poor reputation
5. Poor staff moral
6. Damage to plant and or equipment
7. Inefficiencies

Carlow Local Authorities Health and Safety Responsibilities

1. Develop health and safety strategy and procedures
2. Support the health and safety training programme
3. Support managers and staff of front line services
4. Carry out health and safety audit and inspections of Carlow Local Authority establishments
5. Evaluate accident and or incident near miss reports and carry out accident investigations of serious accidents
6. Liaise with enforcing authorities
7. Provide advice and guidance to Local Authority employees

The Benefits of Health and Safety Management

1. Prevention of prosecutions and civil claims
2. lower insurance premiums
3. reduction in accidents
4. good staff morale
5. improved efficiency