Staff cuts will lead to fewer inspections: HSA

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has expressed concern about its ability to monitor safety standards across many sectors due to a reduction in staffing levels.

The authority has also warned that the number of occupational injuries and associated costs is set to rise as a result of its reduced ability to carry out inspections of workplaces.

There was a 9.8% fall in the number of inspections conducted by HSA officials in 2012 with a further reduction likely this year.