New three year plan to protect workers and save lives launched
23rd March 2010
The Minister for Labour Affairs, Mr. Dara Calleary TD, today (Tuesday 23rd March) launched a new plan to protect and safeguard workers and to foster a positive culture of safety, health and welfare in all workplaces.
Speaking at the launch of the Health and Safety Authority’s new three year strategy statement the Minister said, “This new strategy builds on the significant progress made in relation to worker safety, health and welfare in recent years. It takes account of the realities of running a business during very difficult economic circumstances while ensuring that the safety, health and welfare of all workers is given the priority it deserves”.
Last year (2009) saw the lowest level of workplace deaths on record and the Minister acknowledged that significant gains have been achieved since the establishment of the Authority over twenty years ago. However, he cautioned against turning back the clock in relation to the protection of employees.
“Huge improvements have undoubtedly been made and the challenge now is not just to maintain those gains, but to build on them. There are still important concerns to address at a time of unprecedented pressures on practically every business in the country. Working in close partnership and cooperation with key stakeholders, I’m confident that the Health and Safety Authority will be successful in achieving its vision of a national culture where all commit to safe and healthy workplaces”, he said.
Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority, Mr. Martin O’Halloran, emphasised that safe and healthy workplaces go hand in hand with commercial success. “From a financial perspective, conservative estimates put the cost of workplace accidents to the economy at well in excess of ¤3 billion annually. At an organisational level, business owners and managers must realise that a systemic approach to worker safety, health and welfare is not just a legal requirement, but an investment in the future success of the business.”
Whilst acknowledging the important strides made in recent years, O’Halloran also cautioned against any complacency. “So far this year 10 workers have lost their lives in work related accidents and every day an estimated 150 workers suffer an injury or illness due their work. The real tragedy is that these accidents are foreseeable and preventable”.
Copies of the Strategy Statement 2010 – 2012 are available to download from the Health and Safety Authority’s website at www.hsa.ie.
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For further information contact:
Mark Ryan, Press Officer, Health and Safety Authority on 01 6147068 / 086 8036141
Note to Editors
Strategy 2010- 2012
Vision – ‘A national culture where all commit to safe and health workplaces and safe and sustainable management of chemicals’
Strategy outcomes
- Increased safety and health awareness and knowledge
- Safe and healthy workplaces which enable enterprise success
- Reduction in the rate of work-related fatalities, injuries & ill-health
- Safe and sustainable use of chemicals
Strategy Goals
We have identified 6 strategic goals to helps us achieve our mission and we will work with stakeholders to progress these goals
Goal 1: To enable employers, employees & other duty holders reduce risks by;
- Develop & prioritising work programmes
- Support employers & employees in dealing with & understanding safety health and welfare
- Encourage & enable employers to address occup. Health issues
- Communicate effectively
Goal 2: To motivate and gain commitment to safe and healthy workplaces in enterprises by;
- Influencing leaders
- Using partnerships
- Place greater emphasis on occup. Health
- Targeted promotion & information
- Encourage employers to implement safety initiatives
- Involves workers and future workers
Goal 3: To support the Minister in the initiation and development of appropriate legislation & policies by;
- Make legislative proposals to the Minister
- Develop the appropriate proposals for submission to the Minister
- Actively participate in EU forums and represent Ireland
Goal 4: To hold accountable those who disregard their duties and responsibilities by;
- Implementing a risk-based sector and topic focus
- Focus on workplaces with low compliance
- Use optimal enforcement measures
Goal 5: To promote the safe and sustainable management of chemicals by;
- Influencing chemicals legislation and developing appropriate policies
- Adopt a risk-based approach
- Motivate and gain commitment to best practice in chemical safety
- Enable employers, employees and others to manage and use chemicals safely
Goal 6: To ensure that the Authority is effective in delivering on its goals and achieves value for money by;
- Ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of goals
- Deliver high levels of customer service internally & externally
- Apply best practice through the org. to ensure a consistent high level of service
Priorities for 2010
1. Reduce fatality rates in Agriculture and construction
2. Occupational health
3. Manual Handling
4. Slips, trips & falls
5. Market surveillance
6. Healthcare sector
7. Work-related vehicle safety
8. Health and Safety in 3rd level education
ENDS
Last modified: 23/03/2010
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