Keeping health and safety at the top of the business agenda in the face of economic pressures was a key theme at the IOSH Ireland annual conference this week.
The Irish minister for labour affairs, Dara Calleary TD (pictured), told delegates at the event in Naas, Co. Kildare that although the need to cut costs in the current difficult climate is understandable, it must not be at the expense of workers’ health and safety
He said: “There is a huge focus on cost-saving. With that, there may be the temptation, on the part of some, to look at the occupational safety and health budget and bracket it with dispensable expenditure headings.
“However challenging the times, we must continue to push the safety message so that everyone in the workplace is aware of it. We need everyone to be aware of the value of a safe workplace.
“I know the importance of not cutting corners on worker safety, and I would like to say that, in my view, the benefits of a safe and healthy workplace outweigh the costs. I urge all those in the workplace to keep safety and health at the top of the agenda.”
Last year 57 workers died in workplace accidents in Ireland, with agriculture, hunting and forestry claiming 21 lives and construction killing 15 people.
Bruce Phillips, the chair of the Ireland Branch of IOSH, the world’s biggest health and safety professional body, said the minister was right to highlight the issue in the face of these worrying statistics. He added: “Far too many people suffer serious injuries and ill health in Irish workplaces, without slashing budgets and safety provisions.
“There are many employers that have a lax attitude to health and safety, and it’s not just a problem that’s unique to agriculture and construction — the two industries that claim most lives in Ireland.”
Health and safety professionals gathered at the conference to share their knowledge, and learn about and share cost-effective, smart solutions to common problems.
Other speakers at the event included the chief executive of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), Martin O’Halloran; Noel Brett, from the Road Safety Authority; Dermot Carey, from the Construction Industry Federation; and Professor Eunice McCarthy, from University College Dublin.
