The Occupational Health and Safety Authority is working to dramatically increase penalties in cases where occupational health and safety legislation has been breached, it said in a statement.

It said it aimed for an increase in both the maximum fine and prison term.

The authority urged the public to immediately inform it, even in confidence, of cases where unsafe working situations were noted.

It noted that one of the most hazardous work environments was the construction industry and on finding a breach of health and safety legislation, OHSA would take the necessary and appropriate legal action.

For this reason, it was in the client’s best interest to appoint reputable project supervisors and contractors who had the necessary capabilities and technical knowledge to perform well and safely the task entrusted to them.

This meant that the client should not automatically choose the cheapest offer, unless it could be shown that adequate safety control measures would be taken.