ITM officers checked 197 companies on 174 construction sites during the collective leave, which ran from July 31, 2020 to August 23 Shutterstock

ITM officers checked 197 companies on 174 construction sites during the collective leave, which ran from July 31, 2020 to August 23 Shutterstock

Officers from workplace safety watchdog the ITM conducted the checks from 31 July to 23 August 2020, during the collective leave period when construction sites require specific dispensations to continue working. It also checked heating and air conditioning technicians from 3-23 August.

In one incident inspectors found a child under the age of 15 had been employed. Another work stoppage was ordered against a company for having employed a young person aged under 16. Altogether, officers filed three reports with the State Prosecutor’s Office for unlawful employment of third-country nationals, human trafficking, youth labour and child labour. The ITM issued a fine of €25,000 against an employer for unlawfully employing 10 third-country nationals who did not have work permits.  

A further 19 sites were closed for lack of provisions and 55 because of occupational health and safety violations.