Safe Pass programmes to return from Monday 15th June
9 June 2020
The Minister for Education has confirmed to Labour TD Ged Nash that the on-site Safe Pass programmes are to recommence across the country from next Monday, 15th June.
Deputy Nash said;
“I have been campaigning for this for some weeks now and I am pleased to have secured a result.
“You are not permitted to work on a construction site without an up to date Safe Pass.
“The recommencement of the programme will be welcome news for many construction workers across the country who saw their passes expire and who have until now been unable to take up work opportunities as a result.
"The Department of Education advises that those who wish to book a Safe Pass course should contact their local training provider.
“A list of approved Safe Pass providers is available on the SOLAS website at Safe Pass Accredited Tutors register.”
ENDS
SEE PQ REPLY BELOW
For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 9 June, 2020.
REPLY
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013, construction workers in Ireland are legally bound to hold a valid Safe Pass Registration Card to work on site. The only course currently recognised as an equivalent to the SOLAS Safe Pass course is the Construction Skills Register (CSR Northern Ireland) one day health and safety course.
SOLAS has examined the potential for online delivery as a means of continuing national construction health and safety courses while adhering to public health measures. No immediate solution has been identified that is equitable with the existing Safe Pass course delivery model, in being accessible to all eligible workers, providing real time course participants supports (literacy and numeracy) and interpreter services, as well as ensuring assessment integrity.
On 5th June, the Government sanctioned the inclusion of Safe Pass, Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and Quarrying Skills Certification Scheme (QSCS) course delivery in Phase 2 of the Government’s Roadmap for reopening society and business, on condition that public health guidelines are adhered to by approved training organisations.
This means that the onsite delivery of these courses can recommence with effect from 8th June 2020 in line with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation’s Return to Work Safely Protocols, relevant HSE advice and as set out in the SOLAS’ Standard Operational Procedures (SOP). Anyone wishing to book a Safe Pass training course should contact their local Safe Pass training provider. A list of approved Safe Pass providers is available on the SOLAS website at Safe Pass Accredited Tutors register .