Guidelines & Reports

Guidance on State Indemnity for Personal Injury and Third Party Property Damage in the Health Service Executive

On the 1st January 2010 the management of the Health Service Executive (HSE) personal injury and third party property damage claims was delegated to the SCA under the National Treasury Management Agency (State Authority) Order 2009.

This document, entitled “Guidance on State Indemnity for Personal Injury and Third Party Property Damage in the Health Service Executive”, provides guidance to the Health Service Executive (HSE) on the implications and the application of State indemnity for personal injury and third party property damage and the role of the State Claims Agency (SCA) in this process. The guidance is aimed at Health Service Executive (HSE) management, including hospital managers, service managers, estates, insurance mangers and risk managers. This guidance is comprised of the following sections:

Guidelines on Managing Safety and Health in Post-Primary Schools

The guidelines have been produced by a Steering Group with representatives from the Health and Safety Authority, the State Claims Agency, the Department of Education and Skills and the School Development Planning Initiative.

The guidelines are a management tool intended to offer guidance and practical advice to assist schools in planning, organising and managing a safe and healthy school environment for staff, pupils and visitors. They will also help schools to benchmark current policies and practices against current legislative requirements. The guidance does not place additional legislative responsibilities on schools that do not already exist.

Inspection and Testing of Equipment and Machinery – Regulatory Requirements

These documents have been developed by the State Claims Agency to assist State authorities in complying with their regulatory obligations with regard the inspection and testing of equipment and machinery. They may also be used in the production of maintenance schedules.

The guidance is based on statutory requirements, associated codes of practice and Irish, British and European technical standards.

Part 1: Reference Sources.

Part 2: Scheduling.

Control of Noise at Work – Employee Training

This slide presentation has been developed by the State Claims Agency to assist State authorities in complying with the General Application Regulations 2007 (Control of Noise at Work), specifically the requirement to provide information and training. It may be downloaded and modified to suit the needs of individual authorities.

Control of Noise At Work.

Review of Occupational Health and Safety in the Technologies in Post-primary Schools

A joint initiative by the Department of Education and Science and the State Claims Agency was conducted in 2004. This consisted of a risk review to assess occupational health and safety standards in post-primary technology workshops.

The occupational health and safety of pupils, teachers and other staff, is of paramount importance. A rigorous and accountable system of occupational health and safety management will help to provide a safe learning and working environment and prevent accidents.

The report provides guidance, which is aimed at school management authorities, principals, teachers, the Department of Education and Science and other educational partners.

Review of Occupational Health and Safety in the Technologies in Post-primary Schools

Asbestos guidelines for accommodation officers

A review was conducted of the State's Asbestos Abatement Programme by the SCA in 2003 as part of an ongoing risk management review of the activities within State authorities. One of the key recommendations was the increased provision of information and instruction to managers, in particular accommodation officers.

These guidelines were developed to provide managers with information and instruction on best practice asbestos management.

Asbestos guidelines for accommodation officers.

Guidelines for Managing Mould Growth in State Buildings

Following two personal injury claims against the State and significant litigation activity in the US, where ill health was allegedly caused by exposure to mould, the SCA identified mould as a potential source of further legal action. In order to be in a strong position to defend any similar claims that may arise in the future, the State Claims Agency (SCA) commissioned a survey in 2004 of moulds in various State buildings. The primary purpose of the survey was to quantify the extent of building contamination by mould and to recommend appropriate risk management controls.

Using the survey findings, the SCA have prepared guidelines (2006) for Accommodation Officers / Managers of Buildings, Maintenance and Cleaning Staff, in all State authorities. These set out clearly how to prevent mould growth occurring and manage the issue if it does.

Guidelines for Cleaning Staff on Managing Mould Growth in State Buildings

Guidelines for Maintenance Staff on Managing Mould Growth in State Buildings

Guidelines for Managing Mould Growth in State Buildings

Goal post safety in Schools

The State Claims Agency carried out an assessment in 2003 of goal frames used in a small sample of Community and Comprehensive Schools in order to better define the extent of the risk. The report below documents the findings of this assessment. It sets out the risk management recommendations, which should be followed when purchasing, installing, erecting, dismantling and maintaining goal frames including the appropriate and safe use of anchors.

Subsequent to this report, two Irish standards IS 356:2007 Playing Field Equipment - Goals - Functional and Safety Requirements - Test Methods for Portable and Fixed Goals and IS 357:2007 Playing Field Equipment - Goals - Code of Practice on the Procurement, Installation, Maintenance Inspection and Storage were published. All reputable manufacturers of goalposts must comply with these standards. Contact the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) for details on + 353 1 807 3800.

Goal post safety in Schools.

State Claims Agency, Treasury Building, Grand Canal St. Dublin 2, Ireland. Tel +353 1 6640900 info@stateclaims.ie