The Health and Safety Unit forms part of the HR Division in the LGMSB. Its primary function is the provision of advice, guidance and support to local authorities on the implementation of safety, health and welfare legislation including the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2006, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 and associated regulations.
A partnership approach to Safety, Health and Welfare is taken at a national level, this is achieved through the Joint Union/Management Health and Safety Steering Committee.
The Health and Safety Unit has a number of key functions:
- Provides analysis and advice on safety, health and welfare legislative requirements and developments;
- Supports and assists local authorities in the development and implementation of national templates and guidelines for a range of safety practices, policies and procedures in line with safety, health and welfare legislation;
- Collaborates with stakeholders on national health and safety issues and initiatives e.g. Health and Safety Authority, Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Department of Transport, National Roads Authority, FAS, Construction Safety Partnership, Construction Industry Federation;
- Co-ordinates and facilitates the sharing of resources on ‘best practice’ health and safety policies and procedures in local authorities;
- Identifies health and safety training needs in the local authority sector;
- Promotes awareness of national health and safety issues in local authorities;
- Continually researches best practice and innovation through analysis of national and international trends and literature.