Minister for Business and Employment, Ged Nash TD, this morning 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.

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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