Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005

10 November, 2025 Resources

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 is the primary legislation in Ireland governing the protection of people in the workplace. It establishes a comprehensive framework for securing the safety, health, and welfare of all persons at work, enforcing statutory provisions, and implementing relevant European Union directives.

Core Duties of Stakeholders

Feature

Employer Duties

Employee Duties

Primary Responsibility

Ensure safety, health, and welfare “so far as is reasonably practicable”.

Take reasonable care to protect themselves and others affected by their acts.

Conduct

Manage work activities to prevent improper conduct or behaviour.

Do not engage in improper conduct or behaviour likely to endanger anyone.

Training

Provide necessary information, instruction, training, and supervision.

Attend required training and undergo assessments.

Environment

Maintain a safe workplace, including safe access/egress and machinery.

Report any work carried out dangerously or any defects in the workplace.

Intoxicants

Ensure work is managed to prevent danger from intoxicants.

Do not be under the influence of an intoxicant to a dangerous extent.

Document

Download here: SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE AT WORK ACT 2005

Published by Workplace Regulation and Economic Migration