EU ruling on building work could force up costs for homeowners

Do-more

http://www.tribune.ie/news/home-news/article/2010/nov/07/eu-ruling-on-building-work-could-force-up-costs-fo/

EU ruling on building work could force up costs for homeowners
Martin Frawley

People carrying out building work on their homes face a considerable hike in costs following a European court ruling which places rigorous health and safety rules on construction sites at private dwellings.

The European Court of Justice last week ruled that an Italian woman who was replacing the roof on her private house must employ a health and safety coordinator and draw up a detailed health and safety plan.

It is feared that similar restrictions will apply here. A spokeswoman for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation said, "the case will require careful study with a view to considering its implications".

The controversial EU law on health and safety requires homeowners to comply with a long list of health and safety requirements for any renovation work or extensions being built on their house.

These include putting up rail guards, safety notices, working height restrictions and even hiring a health and safety coordinator.

The regulations cover simple renovation work, extensions and even painting and cleaning.

The onus is also on the homeowner to comply and they can face prosecution if they don't.

This will add considerably to the cost of even the smallest of extensions, possibly forcing homeowners to opt out altogether of building projects.

This would be a further blow to the already decimated construction sector where small contractors are now more reliant then ever on small domestic building projects to keep business going. continues >>>>

This doesn't look good!

Poor Uncle Tom

It's already here and has been since 2006. See here.

To be practicle there is a cut off point for small works, where is is not necessary to appoint a psdp or inform the Health & Safety Authority, but it is still expected that the safety aspects would be followed regardless of the size of the project.

Builderfromhell

Agree with Poor Uncle Tom, these regs have been in force for some time and seem to be adhered to.
Insurance companies send safety officers to audit builders at least once a year also.