IOSH welcomes new safety and health strategy for Ireland

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has published its Strategy Statement for 2016-18, in which it sets out its priorities for the coming years.

They include an increased focus on work-related health risks, maintaining and building on recent advances in workplace safety management, and a continued emphasis on high-risk sectors such as agriculture and construction.

IOSH vice-president Declan Gibney, who attended the strategy’s launch event on behalf of the Institution, said: “The focus is right. I was glad to see such an emphasis on occupational health.

“There are a lot of similarities between our own priorities and the HSA’s strategy. We need to remain conscious of the risks that exist in our traditional industries like agriculture and construction.”

The HSA’s strategy was launched by Minister for Business and Employment, Ged Nash TD, in Dublin on 27 January. It also included a target to highlight the health risks that chemicals pose to both workers and the public.

Minister Nash said: “It’s vital that we continue to prioritise the safety and health of all workers in a way that promotes business growth, aids competitiveness and protects workers. A safe and healthy workforce is an essential component of any successful enterprise.”

Fifty-five people died at work in Ireland in 2015, including four children. While the number of deaths in agriculture fell year-on-year from 30 to 18, there was an increase in deaths in the construction industry from eight to 11.

IOSH Ireland Branch believes a recent increase in the number of building projects in the country explains the rise, with the branch saying it will support the HSA’s efforts to safeguard workers in that industry.

HSA chief executive Martin O’Halloran said: “Our strategy has been developed for a period where we expect to see the continued recovery of industry sectors that were badly affected by the recession. It’s important that this recovery is not jeopardised by poor standards of workplace safety and health.

“We will continue to work with all our partners and stakeholders to support economic growth, meet our goals and deliver effective use of our resources.”

The HSA’s strategy can be viewed online at www.hsa.ie