Amended Occupational Health and Safety Act

(1)           The Council shall-

(a)       advise the Minister with regard to-

(i)             matters of policy arising out of or in connection with the application of the provisions of this Act;

(ii)           any matter relating to occupational health and safety;

(b)       perform the functions assigned to it by this Act or referred to it by the Minister.

(2)           The Council may-

(a)       with a view to the performance of its functions, do such research and conduct such investigations as it may deem necessary;

(b)       make rules relating to the calling of meetings of the Council, the determining of a quorum for and the procedure at such meetings, and generally relating to all matters which may be necessary for the effective performance of the functions of the Council or, subject to section 6, of a technical committee;

(c)        advise the Department concerning-

(i)             the formulation and publication of standards, specifications or other forms of guidance for the purpose of assisting employers, employees and users to maintain appropriate standards of occupational health and safety;

(ii)           the promotion of education and training in occupational health and safety; and

(iii)          the collection and dissemination of information on occupational health and safety.

(3)           The Council may for the purposes of the performance of any of its functions, with the approval of the Minister, and with the concurrence of the Minister of State Expenditure, enter into an agreement for the performance of a particular act or particular work or for the rendering of a particular service, on such conditions and at such remuneration as may be agreed upon, with anybody who in the opinion of the Council is fit to perform such act or work or to render such service.

(4)           Subject to the laws governing the Public Service, the Minister shall provide the Council with such personnel as he may deem necessary for the effective performance of the functions of the Council, and such persons shall perform their functions subject to the control and directions of the chief inspector.