Employers who breach health and safety laws could be fined up to 10 per cent of their annual turnover, under proposed new legislation.
On-the-spot fines for employees, as well as employers, are also proposed in the new Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Bill, to be published before the end of the year.
The Minister of State for Labour Affairs, Mr Frank Fahey, said there was a need for action to reduce the number of workplace deaths and injuries.
The penalties will include fines of up to €3,000 on conviction of an employer in the district court. Offenders convicted of indictable offences, dealt with in higher courts, can be fined up to 10 per cent of their annual turnover and/or face up to two years prison.
Breaches being considered for on-the-spot fines include lack of proper sanitary services and failure to wear personal protective equipment when provided.