27th January 2016
Increased focus on work-related health risks
Safe use of chemicals in the workplace and by the general public a key goal
Continued prioritisation of high risk farming and construction sectors
Minister for Business and Employment, Ged Nash TD, this morning (Wednesday 27th January) launched the Health and Safety Authority’s new Strategy Statement 2016-18. The new strategy focuses on ensuring that workers and those affected by work activity return home safely and that everyone is protected from the harmful effects of chemicals.
The strategic priorities for 2016-18 are:
- Health: Increase the focus on work-related health risks.
- Safety: Maintain and develop the advances achieved in the management of work-related safety risks.
- Chemicals: Focus on the risks to human safety and health arising from chemicals used at work and by the general public.
- Accreditation: Provide an impartial, internationally recognised accreditation service, responsive to market demands through the Irish National Accreditation Board.
- How We Work: Continue to change and transform the way we work.
Launching the strategy, Minister Nash said, “Every worker in the country is entitled to a safe and healthy place of work and to return home to their families safe and well. We’re now in a phase of strong economic growth, businesses are rapidly expanding and new jobs are being created on a daily basis. 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.
“I particularly welcome the Authority’s focus on small and medium-sized businesses. These businesses, the backbone of the economy, need simple tools and guidance that will help them effectively manage workplace safety and health. The Authority has been at the forefront in meeting this challenge with the introduction of, for example, its free e-learning portal and BeSMART online tool. This is the type of innovation that makes a difference and helps enterprises in a very practical way.”
Martin O’Halloran, Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority 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.”
Michael Horgan, Chairman of the Health and Safety Authority said, “A strong focus on innovation and the optimal use of State resources was a key factor in the development of this strategy. The concept of the Authority working smarter was a cornerstone of the Board’s contribution to the strategic planning process. I’m confident that this strategy lays a strong foundation for a more agile organisation that will help in the achievement of our noble purpose of healthy, safe and productive lives.”
Copies of the Strategy Statement available at www.hsa.ie
ENDS
For more information or to arrange an interview contact Mark Ryan, Press Officer, Health and Safety Authority on (086) 8036141 or pressoffice@hsa.ie
EDITORS NOTES
The HSA Strategy Statement 2016-18 sets out the Authority’s mandate, mission, vision, priorities and strategic outcomes to the end of 2018. This is the fourth statement of strategy prepared by the Authority under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
Our Mandate:
To regulate and promote the safety, health and welfare of people at work and those affected by work activities.To regulate and promote the safe manufacture, use, placing on the market, trade and transport of chemicals.To act as a surveillance authority in relation to relevant single European market legislation.To act as the national accreditation body.
Our Mission:
We regulate and promote work-related safety, health and welfare and the use of chemicals and products. We also provide the national accreditation service.
Our Vision:
Healthy, safe and productive lives.
Strategic Priorities:
Health: Increase the focus on work-related health risks.Safety: Maintain and develop the advances achieved in the management of work-related safety risks.Chemicals: Focus on the risks to human health and safety arising from chemicals used at work and by the general public.Accreditation: Provide an impartial, internationally recognised accreditation service, responsive to market demands through the Irish National Accreditation Board. How We Work: Continue to change and transform the way we work.
Expected Strategic Outcomes:
Reduced rates of work-related deaths, injuries and ill-health.Employers are actively engaged in managing occupational health and well-being.Workers are actively engaged in protecting themselves and their colleagues at work.Increased awareness among the general public on how to avoid and manage the risks to health arising from chemicals
.Increased awareness and use of INAB accreditation services.People and organisations are proactively engaged and satisfied with Authority programmes, tools and services.
National interests are represented with proposals for and transposition of EU regulations.The Authority is a high-performing organisation evidenced by our high level of staff engagement and motivation, our optimal use of State resources and our positive strategic relationships.
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