The National Irish Safety Organisation (Niso) has warned that a small number of companies in the construction sector are scrimping on health and safety measures in order to cut costs and to win more business in an increasingly competitive market.
Niso, which is a voluntary body dedicated to the promotion of health and safety in the workplace, called on people who employ contractors or sub-contractors to work for them to check on their safety records and to refuse to tolerate "cowboy" operators.
Niso president John O'Shaughnessy said: "A small number of rogue operators are seeking to undercut builders and developers who have a genuine commitment to health and safety."
Meanwhile, the Health and Safety Authority announced yesterday that Martin O'Halloran had been appointed its new chief executive officer. Mr O'Halloran has been the authority's assistant chief executive since November 2003.
A native of Bohermeen, Co Meath, he has held senior positions with Telecom Éireann, Eircom and Vodafone and has worked as an occupational health and safety professional in industry.
