Implementing our Strategy 2019-2021 - Health and Safety Authority - IN THIS EDITION: National Irish Safety ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
33537_NISO_Update_Layout 1 18/07/2019 14:29 Page 1
NISO is a not-for-profit voluntary body,
dedicated to the promotion of health
and safety in Irish workplaces
SUMMER 2019
IN THIS EDITION:
Health and Safety Authority –
Implementing our Strategy
2019-2021
33537_NISO_Update_Layout 1 18/07/2019 14:29 Page 2
ED I TORI A L
President’s message
All Ireland Safety Awards the All Ireland Safety Awards
IN THIS ISSUE
This is a very busy time of Dinner. The theme of this
President’s Message .................2 the year in NISO and NISG year’s conference is “SHWW
with the marking by the – 30 Years On” and we have
NISO/National News..........3-6
adjudicators of the All a very interesting line up of
New members............................7 Ireland Safety Awards speakers, both national and
coming to a conclusion. international, for the day.
HSA Feature.............................8-9
As the marking concludes, Speakers include Prof Anne
NISO Certificate in Safety, the All Ireland Awards Drummond, UCD; Tom
Health and Welfare at Work committee will be meeting to Walsh, DBEI, who will look
Courses .......................................10 review the marking and to back to the introduction of
conduct our quality the SHWW Act 1989 and the
IOSH Forum ........................11-12
assurance programme to formation of the HSA; Mary
NISO Annual Conference ensure that the correct award Connaughton, CIPD; Maeve
Harry Galvin, president,
2019 ................................................13 goes to the correct O’Loughlin, Middlesex National Irish Safety Organisation
organisation. University / ITV; Prof
Legislation/ Desmond O’Neill, RSA,
Following the quality
Publications .......................14-15
assurance programme, each Tallaght Hospital and Trinity I appeal to the government to
organisation that entered the College Dublin; Pat take a long-term view and
Upcoming events....................16
awards will receive McLoughlin, CEO, The fund all areas of safety,
correspondence advising Alzheimer Society of Ireland; health and welfare to protect
whether they have qualified Mark Cullen, HSA; and Sean all our citizens and prevent
for an award and to indicate Hogan NDFEM. Visit our injuries, ill health and
what category of award they dedicated conference website, deaths.
are receiving. safetyconference.ie for The costs of prevention of
The actual award each updates and further details. injuries and ill health is, as
organisation will receive will all safety professionals will
not be revealed until the Budget 2020 agree, minor compared to
night of the All Ireland Over the coming months the the high costs of health care,
Safety Awards Gala Dinner government will be preparing compensation and other
on Friday 11 October in the the annual budget and we in costs associated with the
Galmont Hotel, Galway. NISO hope that extra human suffering caused by
funding will be allocated for our failures.
Members visit Annual Health and Safety the Health and Safety Stay safe.
niso.ie to download Conference Authority. Extra funding is
The NISO Annual Health required for health and safety Harry Galvin, president,
previous copies of National Irish Safety
and Safety Conference will with employment now at an
the NISO Update! take place on the same day as all time high of 2.2 million. Organisation
NISO Update! is issued
by the National Irish
Sponsorship
Safety Organisation
(NISO). Is your organisation interested in sponsoring the NISO Annual Health and Safety
Material printed in NISO Update! Conference, Ireland’s Premier health and safety event, in 2019?
is not necessarily endorsed by the Sponsorship of the NISO Annual Health and Safety Conference presents a prime
National Irish Safety
opportunity for organisations to reinforce their identity and reputation as leaders in the
Organisation.
health and safety field.
Editorial enquiries to: The Editor,
NISO, A11 Calmount Park, Sponsors of the 2018 NISO Conference included:
Calmount Avenue, Ballymount,
Dublin 12. Tel: 01 465 9760 Gold Plus Silver Plus Bronze:
Fax: 01 465 9765 • Anderco • Ayrton Group • DB Schenker
Email: info@niso.ie • Intel
Design & Print: Print Bureau
Tel: 01 4733 567 To discuss opportunities to sponsor the NISO Conference and other NISO events, please
www.printbureau.ie contact Warren Azong for a sponsorship brochure on 01 465 9760 or email wazong@niso.ie
2 N ISO UPDAT E! SUM M ER 2019
33537_NISO_Update_Layout 1 18/07/2019 14:29 Page 3
NEWS
Ireland wins prestigious ETSC PIN Award
Ireland has been announced as the
winner of the European Transport
Safety Council (ETSC) Road Safety
Performance Index (PIN) award. The
annual award is presented to a
European country that has
demonstrated continued progress on
road safety combined with a strategic
approach to tackling the problem
across government.
Ireland was the second safest
European Union Member State in
2018, in terms of road mortality (road
deaths per million inhabitants) and
has moved up five places in the
ranking of EU countries since 2010
when it held 7th place. In terms of
numbers killed, Ireland has cut annual
deaths by more than 30% since 2010.
By comparison, deaths increased in
other relatively safe countries over the
same period including Sweden and the
Netherlands.
Shane Ross, Minister for Transport,
Tourism and Sport, said, “It is
heartening to see that Ireland has now
been recognised as the second safest
European Union Member State in could cut road deaths by 40%. As it is, 12 months, after several years of delay.
2018, demonstrating the significant many countries are standing still and These welcome new measures will also
progress made to date. Government even going backwards. We can learn a take several years to take full effect.
policy and investment is working in lot from Ireland’s approach – it’s a ETSC is calling on the new European
this area but we cannot be complacent model for the European Union.” Parliament and Commissioners to
and need to keep road safety to the make road safety a priority from day
fore of public consciousness.” Ranking EU progress on road safety – one.
According to ETSC, Ireland’s new report published today Road deaths and injuries in the EU
performance has been driven by the Progress in Ireland stands in are still unacceptably high by any
establishment of a specific government contrast to relative stagnation in the measure, with around 500 deaths
road safety agency (Road Safety EU as a whole. The numbers killed on every single week, the equivalent to
Authority – RSA), a long-term EU roads fell by just 1% last year, and three Boeing 737 planes crashing and
strategic plan to cut road deaths with by just 4% over the last five years, killing everyone on board.
specific targets, regular evaluation and according to the latest ETSC Road Avenoso commented:
follow-up, and a multi-agency Safety Performance Index Annual “Over the next few weeks and
approach to delivery across Report – published today. months, newly-elected MEPs will be
government. In recent years The EU target to cut road deaths in taking up their posts at the European
considerable efforts have been put in half over the decade to 2020 now Parliament and new European
place on tackling dangerous speeding, looks out of reach. Meeting that target Commissioners will be appointed,
as well as drink-driving. would require an unprecedented 21% together with Presidents of the three
Antonio Avenoso, ETSC Executive reduction per year in 2019 and 2020. main EU institutions. It’s essential that
Director commented: In many Member States, road safety the new leadership maintains the level
“Ireland has made great progress on has been deprioritised in recent years, of ambition on tackling road safety
road safety in recent years, while at the with cuts to traffic police enforcement, that we have seen from the EU over the
same time recognising areas where it and a failure to invest in safer last year – they must not sit on their
still needs to do more – such as infrastructure. hands.”
improving the safety of cycling. What The EU’s biggest and boldest recent The 2019 ETSC Road Safety
stands out is the strategic approach: road safety initiatives – an update to Performance Index Report can be
analysing the data, setting targets, and minimum vehicle safety standards and downloaded from the ETSC website at
making sure the job gets done. If a significant increase in the scope of http://www.etsc.eu/pin13
every country in Europe could get to infrastructure safety management Source: www.rsa.ie
the same level of safety as Ireland, we rules – were only finalised in the last www.etsc.eu
NISO UPDATE! SUMMER 2019 3
33537_NISO_Update_Layout 1 18/07/2019 14:29 Page 4
NE W S
NISO Safety Awards at
Scifest 2019 at AIT
On Friday, 12 April 2019, more than 400
secondary school students from across
the Midlands showcased their skills in
Science, Technology, Engineering and
Maths (STEM) at SciFest@AthloneIT –
Ireland’s largest regional SciFest fair.
Sinead Hussey, RTÉ’s north east
correspondent opened the event.
SciFest – the competition known for
putting “STEM into Action” - helps
engender an interest in science,
technology, engineering and maths
subjects among second level students
with the aim of encouraging their
future matriculation into STEM
degrees and, ultimately, careers. The
competition gives students of all
abilities and backgrounds the The NISO Safety Award winners, Amy Fallon and Andrea Whyte of Athlone Community College, with their
opportunity to develop their critical science teacher Martina Roache, receiving their award and prize vouchers from Chris McCormack, NISO
thinking, problem solving, research Midland Regional Vice Chair & lecturer at AIT.
and presentation skills.
This year, multi-disciplinary judges nationally and 2019 will be another and linked this device to 4G networks.
assessed more than 194 science projects stellar year for projects in science, The project was supervised by their
at junior, intermediate and senior level technology, engineering and maths. teacher Martina Roache.
from 24 secondary schools. As in SciFest gives students an excellent Second Place went to Aoife
previous years, participating students opportunity to develop their interest in McDermott and Aisling McCarthy of
presented on a wide array of topics STEM and inquiry-based approaches to Our Lady’s Bower, Athlone. Their
including the virtuosity of veganism learning, while developing their creative project “Track that Crash” creates an
and the effect of carbon dioxide on our and problem-solving skills and learning emergency call when a car impacts or
diets, through to a super solution for to work in a team.” rolls. GPS coordinates, speed of
superbugs and how colour can affect National Irish Safety Organisation impact and car orientation
our learning. (NISO) sponsored a Safety Award and (gyroscopic) data are sent also, aiding
“As always, the projects entered by the a runner up prize at AIT’s SciFest. emergency services in resourcing
participating students are impressive, Both of the winning projects were rescue operations. The programme
engaging and thought-provoking. Their judged to be of critical relevance in created also tracks movements prior to
passion for science, technology, current and future safety the incident, which can be used in
engineering and maths is demonstrable developments. Both teams had accident investigation. A call to next
by the calibre of research undertaken. developed their innovations to initial of kin, using ICE contacts, can be
As the sole higher education provider in prototype. These winning students programmed. The students were able
the Midlands, Athlone Institute of demonstrated skills such as coding, to demonstrate the combined
Technology plays a pivotal role in the writing algorithms and the coupling of technologies and communications
development of the region and IT and communication technologies, created via SMS. Their teacher, Ellen
continuing to supply industry with a along with excellent multi-media Maguire supervised the project.
talent pipeline of suitably qualified, science communication skills. NISO would like to acknowledge
work ready graduates. SciFest, and This year, the winners of this the collegiality of the staff at Athlone
school outreach activities like it, play a prestigious prize were Amy Fallon and Institute of Technology in the various
hugely important role in helping Andrea Whyte of Athlone Community collaborations developed, such as the
cultivate the next generation of College. Their project, called “Using NISO Certificate in Safety, Health and
scientists, engineers and Artificial Neural Networks and Welfare at Work, and the Young
mathematicians,” Dr Noreen Morris, Autoencoder to Detect When an Persons’ Occupational Safety and
Athlone Institute of Technology SciFest Internet Connected Toy has Been Health Quiz finals, both held at AIT
co-ordinator, said. Hacked” consists of a tracking device, since their inception. NISO also
Commenting ahead of the event, connected to a parent’s mobile phone, contributes graduation excellence
Sheila Porter, SciFest Founder and CEO, which alerts when so-called “Nanny awards to the BSc in Environmental
said: “Since SciFest’s inception in 2008, Toys” have been interfered with by an Safety and Health Management
more than 65,000 students have external party. The students had built (ESHM), and the MSc in ESHM at
participated in the programme the combined technologies required, Athlone Institute of Technology.
4 N ISO UPDAT E! SUM M ER 2019
33537_NISO_Update_Layout 1 18/07/2019 14:29 Page 5
NEWS
Vulnerable road users account for 70% of EU
road deaths
According to a new report by the walking are able to do so in a safe – Latvia, Greece, Portugal and
European Transport Safety Council, environment.” Poland are the EU countries that
road deaths on urban roads decreased made the most progress in
at around half the rate of those on Key findings: reducing urban road deaths
rural roads over the period 2010-2017. • Enforcing safe speed limits is a between 2010 and 2017.
Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists key challenge.
– the three most vulnerable road user Among the countries that monitor • New forms of mobility.
groups – represent 70% of those killed levels of speed compliance on urban The uptake of e-scooters and other
and seriously injured on urban roads. roads countrywide, between 35% new forms of mobility might also
Dovil Adminait-Fodor, lead author and 75% of observed vehicle speeds require new national legislation or
of the report, commented: in free-flowing urban traffic are city-level regulations, infrastructure
“Over the next ten years, we want to higher than the 50 km/h limit. adjustments and educational
see the EU and all European countries activities, similar to the road safety
investing in urban transport in a way • Vast differences in the level of adaptations required for more
that prioritises the most vulnerable safety across the European Union. cycling. A lack of data and
road users. This is not just about safer – Mortality on urban roads is regulation is hindering progress in
infrastructure and setting safe speed highest in Romania with 105 this area at the present time,
limits but also better enforcement of road users killed annually per according to the report.
speed limits as well as reducing drink million urban inhabitants – four
driving and distraction. times the EU average. The report contains more than twenty
“Many cities and towns are rightly – In contrast, around nine people main recommendations for action at
focusing on improving air quality and per million urban inhabitants are EU, country and city authority level
sustainability in cities, and killed on urban roads in Sweden, and can be downloaded from the
discouraging private car use. But 11 in the UK, 13 in the ETSC website at:
safety concerns must go hand-in-hand Netherlands and 14 in Ireland www.etsc.eu/pinflash37.
to ensure that more people cycling and and Spain. Source: https://etsc.eu/
HSA launches free asbestos awareness-raising course
interactive building highlighting for Tradespeople’ course will provide
potential areas where ACMs may be learners with important information
found, and their risks. A variety of on ACMs in the workplace. It will
examples are provided including help employers and employees to be
images of what to look out for. aware of potential locations of ACMs
Learners will also hear a personal and how to manage a situation when
account of the health effects of these materials are found. Employers
asbestos exposure. can also incorporate the course into
Completion of the “Asbestos Safety for staff induction or training
The Health and Safety Authority Tradespeople” course will help learners programmes.”
(HSA) has launched a free, short, on- to improve their awareness of ACMs and He added, “This short online course
line course aimed at assisting how to protect themselves and others. will give those who may encounter
tradespeople who may encounter However, it does not in any way enable asbestos in the course of their work a
asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) individuals to work with ACMs. good introduction to it and plenty of
in the course of their work. It can be At the end of this course learners guidance on where to seek further
accessed through the HSA e-learning should be able to: information.”
portal https://hsalearning.ie. The 30- • understand what asbestos is, Joanne Harmon, Business and
minute online course will help raise • outline the health effects of Education Support Manager, with the
asbestos awareness amongst a range of exposure to asbestos, HSA said, “Learners can take courses
workers including electricians, • identify potential locations of asbestos during their own time, at their own pace
plumbers, carpenters, installers, containing materials (ACMs), and can download a certificate of
maintenance workers, caretakers and • and outline the steps to take to completion on passing the short
construction workers. protect yourself from exposure to assessment. Although not a formal
If an employee unknowingly asbestos. qualification, certification can form part
disturbs ACMs, asbestos fibres that of an individual’s training or continuous
can seriously harm health are released Darren Arkins, Senior Inspector, with professional development record.”
into the air. The course includes an the HSA said, “The ‘Asbestos Safety Source: hsa.ie
NISO UPDATE! SUMMER 2019 5
33537_NISO_Update_Layout 1 19/07/2019 09:12 Page 6
NEW S
Outdoor workers account for 23%
of skin cancer deaths
The Irish Cancer Society has said that
farm, construction and outdoor
workers account for almost one in
four (23%) skin cancer deaths in
Ireland. The figures have remained
stagnant in recent years.
The Society has teamed up with the
Irish Congress of Trade Unions to
urge outdoor workers to be extra
vigilant during the summer months,
and reduce their risk of skin cancer.
Announcing the partnership, Kevin
O’Hagan, Cancer Prevention Manager
with the Irish Cancer Society said,
“These figures from the CSO show
that in 2016, we had over 60 deaths in
Ireland which were related to sun
exposure at work. That is more than
one death a week. The dangers of skin
cancer in these industries have often
been neglected, because the risk of
accidental death and injury on the job construction, horticulture, quarrying, Authority guidelines. We would
is considered higher and more postal services, environment, tourism, encourage all of our members to
immediate. However long-term recreation and education. ensure they are being SunSmart this
exposure to the invisible hazard of the “Workers need to take every summer. It could save a life.”
sun’s ultraviolet rays puts outdoor precaution in protecting their skin For more information on skin cancer
workers at a high risk of skin cancer. while exposed to the sun, and should or how to be SunSmart, visit
“We are really pleased to be teaming be supported in doing so by their www.cancer.ie/Sunsmart
up with the Irish Congress of Trade employers. We would also call on The Health and Safety Authority
Unions this summer to encourage employers to put in place robust also has the following sun safety
employers and employees to take the policies to ensure that outdoor resources on its website:
necessary sun protection behaviours to workers, such as builders, postal https://www.hsa.ie/eng/Topics/Sun_Pr
reduce the number of workers dying workers or fisherman are adequately otection/
form a very preventable cancer. protected. At a minimum they should
“Every year in Ireland, it is be following the Health & Safety Source: Irish Cancer Society
estimated that almost 12,000 people
are diagnosed with skin cancer, and
figures show that more men than
women were diagnosed. Getting
repeated sunburn throughout life
increases the risk of skin cancer. Half
of all adults experienced sunburn in
the last year and a third of men have
experienced sunburn while working
outdoors, so we are asking people to
take the necessary steps to avoid
sunburn and to be SunSmart at work.”
Congress General Secretary, Patricia
King, added, “We are really pleased to
be teaming up with the Irish Cancer
Society to raise awareness of skin
cancer among outdoor workers.
Congress represents over 135,000
people whose work is characterised as
being predominantly or occasionally
outdoors. This includes union
members in sectors such as
6 N ISO UPDATE! SUM MER 2019
33537_NISO_Update_Layout 1 18/07/2019 14:29 Page 7
NEW MEMBERS
NISO Welcomes New Members
!
National Irish Safety Organisation
would like to welcome all of the
organisations that have joined recently.
As a not for profit organisation with !
charitable status, your membership of
NISO supports our endeavours to !
promote health and safety in Irish
workplaces.
Contact NISO on 01 465 9760 or
email info@niso.ie for further
information on NISO membership and
to receive a copy of our Membership
Brochure.
New Members
Organisations to recently join NISO
include:
4site
AirconMech
Alexion Pharma International
Operations UC Since forming in 1996, AirconMech is now one
!
! !
Cabinpac of Ireland’s leading Building Services Dominic O’Connor Ltd. has earned a solid
! Engineering Contractors.
reputation for providing specialist commercial,
DS Ventilation AirconMech and AMV Systems, our industrial and maintenance engineering
Dominic O’Connor Ltd. maintenance division, together enables us to services to the building industry, having
provide a first-class all-around service to include worked on many prestigious projects involving
LA Services manufacturing, build, commissioning and complex steam, water, air and heating
Phoenix STS Ltd. maintenance. We specialise in the installation installations. Accustomed to working with
and maintenance (AMV Systems) of Heating, most major firms, Dominic O’Connor Ltd. has
Secto
Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems, become a respected and experienced provider
delivering first-class mechanical solutions of building services throughout the country.
tailored to your unique requirements. Web : www.doconnor.ie
Established in 2002, 4site currently employs Established in 2010 DS Ventilation Ltd Secto delivers integrated planning, design,
90 people in their offices in Limerick, Dublin specializes in the installation of ventilation build and commissioning of advanced
and the UK. systems including fire rated ductwork to the communication networks, civil engineering
4site provides innovative engineering solutions commercial, pharmaceutical, hospitality and and utilities projects across a range of sectors
for major infrastructural developments in educational sectors throughout Ireland. In and customers.
telecommunications. Clients include Vodafone, partnership with our clients we are committed Based just outside Dublin with national
SIRO, Cignal, CityFibre, CommScope, 2RN, to delivering a first class service on all our coverage, Secto is an innovative company
Three, Ericsson, Nokia, MBNL and Virgin Media, projects. which offers Engineering and Project
Imagine Communications and Wireless Group. Contact us: Email info@dsventilation.ie Management expertise to Telecoms, Utilities
www.4sitenetworks.com Phone: 01 405 7682 Mobile: 087 250 4725 and Managed Services customers across
Ireland and the UK.
Website: www.dsventilation.ie
See www.secto.ie
NISO UPDATE! SUMMER 2019 7
33537_NISO_Update_Layout 1 18/07/2019 14:29 Page 8
FEATU RE
Health and Safety Authority –
Implementing our Strategy 2019-2021
I recently read the Health and Safety relation to three sectors –
Authority’s Annual report for the year construction, agriculture and health
1989-1990. It made for some and social care. Within each of these
interesting reading and was a useful sectors, we are further prioritising our
reminder that while much has changed actions and attention in relation to
inside and outside the Authority since specific risks. For example, in
its foundation in 1989, some things construction, we are prioritising
have remained and are still core to our actions in relation to working at
mandate and function. As we are now heights, occupational health and work
on the way to implementing our latest related vehicle safety. In health and
Strategy (2019-2021), it is a good time social care, our targets are risks from
to reflect on the Authority’s first 30 work related violence and aggression,
years and its contribution if not over manual and patient handling and
the next 30 at least over the next three slips, trips and falls. For agriculture,
years. the key risks we will address are
The most significant change for the livestock, machinery and tractors and
Authority since 1989 is of course the working at heights. None of these
depth and breadth of our mandate. risks is new and all are well known.
We have long since moved away from Indeed, falling while working from a Dr. Sharon McGuinness, CEO, Health and Safety
being solely responsible for workplace height was the main factor in Authority
health and safety; now our mandate construction fatalities in 1989 and it
reaches across the chemicals life cycle, still is today. By prioritising and
through to market surveillance of focusing our efforts with respect to mindset will also only be realised
consumer products and most recently inspection, education, when companies and individuals show
into accreditation of products and communications and support, we are leadership. We want to see
services. With this broader mandate aiming to drive real change in the stakeholders and leaders who engage
comes challenges and more numbers of workers being killed or and motivate themselves, their
importantly comes opportunity in injured each year because these risks company, their peers and their
how we deliver our mandate and how are not being appropriately addressed. colleagues in seeing health and safety
enterprises and stakeholders alike Underpinning this focus will be an as a positive force for motivated
comply with regulations and work emphasis on creating and building a workers, quality jobs and sustainable
with us. safety mindset amongst employers and working practices. Too often, leaders
With our new strategy, we are employees. No matter how determined will say that safety is a priority but
prioritising activities in the Authority is in addressing risks, when it comes to being visible when
without a parallel interest or health and safety is on the agenda,
willingness to think safety and act they will often send their health and
safely by employers, self-employed safety expert. Leaders need to step up
and workers, our efforts will not be and be seen and heard on the
successful. importance of health and safety for
This brings us to the topic of their workers and businesses.
stakeholder engagement. Without Communications is also more
it, the Authority would not be able important than ever. With all the
to deliver the range of services and means and ways available to get
activities across its guidance, information to those that use and
support, education and require it, the need for clear, concise
communications efforts. More and relevant messaging is greater than
importantly, without the strong ever. We have focused efforts on the
levels of stakeholder engagement communication and education fronts
and buy in, continuing reductions for many years and rightly so. In so
in fatalities, injuries and illness doing, we have produced many
will not be seen. However, from different guidance and information
the Authority’s perspective, it is documents and e-tools such as
te g y S ta te ment important that we engage and BeSMART, e-learning, Work Positive
Stra
work with those parties who and FarmSafely.com and we continue
have a shared vision for safe and to promote their use and uptake by all
healthy workplaces. A safety those interested in good health and
8 N ISO UPDAT E! SUM M ER 2019
33537_NISO_Update_Layout 1 18/07/2019 14:29 Page 9
FEATURE
PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST –
PRODUCT CERTIFICATION:
• Check what product certification you • For the full DBEI Brexit Preparedness
will require for exporting to the UK Checklist, go to
post-Brexit https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Pu
blication-files/Brexit-Preparedness-
• Prepare for the additional
Checklist.pdf.
responsibilities you will have as an
importer when sourcing products
(chemicals and industrial products)
from the UK post-Brexit
• If you use a UK Notified Body, transfer
your product certification to an EU-27
Notified Body
• Examine if you need to appoint a
‘designated representative’ in the UK
or if your UK supplier has appointed
an EU ‘authorised representative’
• Should you need advice on
products/chemicals/accreditation,
contact the Health and Safety
Authority at wcu@hsa.ie or
www.hsa.ie/Brexit
safety practice. Our use of workforce from school or dedicated website have not yet started their
social media continues to college but also those who (www.hsa.ie/brexit), our preparations, do so
grow and with it will come are working well into their helpdesk (wcu@hsa.ie) and immediately and follow the
the challenge of how to 60s, 70s and beyond. communication campaigns Department of Business,
impart the necessary level of Finally, we are also and events, we have and will Enterprise and Innovation’s
detail to those that need it focused on getting Ireland continue to bring clear Brexit preparedness
and do not have the time ready for Brexit. With all advice and guidance to Irish checklist.
and the inclination to read the uncertainty in relation businesses as they navigate As we celebrate 30 years
detailed guidance to Brexit right now, the these challenging and of regulating, promoting
documents. With the age Authority is providing much changing times. We urge all and influencing on health
cohort of our working needed certainty to businesses to follow closely and safety this year, we are
population getting wider, businesses and enterprises the Government also looking forward to
messaging will be critical as as to how regulations and communications and advice increasing our focus in these
we target not just those compliance will look post in relation to Brexit and areas over the next three
coming new into the Brexit. Through our more importantly, if they years and beyond.
NISO UPDATE! SUMMER 2019 9
33537_NISO_Update_Layout 1 18/07/2019 14:30 Page 10
33537_NISO_Update_Layout 1 18/07/2019 14:30 Page 11
IOSH FORUM
New web portal launched to support employers
with workplace health
The Workplace Health to find. We hope our portal group of committed 135 companies or
Leadership Group Northern will act like an index and stakeholders from across individuals have been
Ireland (WHLGNI) has guide viewers to the industry and government ordered to cease work
created a new web portal information they want came together to ensure activities because of non-
for employers to access quickly.” that effective occupational compliance with asbestos
information on occupational Richard McIvor, health management is given regulations, with a further
health, occupational Treasurer, Council Member the priority in Northern 130 being warned they must
hygiene and wellbeing. and former Chair of the Ireland workplaces that it improve.
The site signposts viewers IOSH Northern Ireland warrants. The Group’s A further 31 companies or
to a wide range of valuable Branch and IOSH Ireland vision is to ensure that individuals have been
information available to Regional Co-Ordinating “Workplace Health” prosecuted for breaches,
employers. The website is Committee, said: "The receives the same with fines ranging from £1
available at: confusion experienced by recognition in the working to £200,000 and some
www.whlgni.org.uk some employers, health and environment as directors being given prison
Supported by the seven safety practitioners and “Occupational Safety” and sentences. The latest
partners that form consultants appears to have striving for employers to company to be sentenced
WHLGNI (IOSH, NI Safety contributed to an have a “healthy” as well as a was a Devon-based hotelier,
Group, BuildHealth, BOHS, unintentional “safe” culture. which was fined £80,000
HSENI, PHA and the Local misinterpretation of key yesterday after asbestos
Councils) the site is statutory requirements Asbestos exposure putting containing materials were
designed to get relevant associated with workplace lives at risk 20 years since disturbed during renovation
workplace health health. This valuable ban work.
information to readers resource allows for greater Lives are still being put at But while these companies
quickly. The partnership is collaboration and signposts risk by companies failing to are being hit in the pocket,
geared towards ensuring guidance in a single portal manage exposure to the human cost of asbestos
that effective occupational with the intention of risk asbestos – two decades after exposure at work is far
health management is given assessing “health” like the deadly cancer-causing greater, with at least 5,000
priority in Northern Ireland safety.” material was banned in deaths every year in Britain
workplaces. WHLGNI was formed on Britain. being linked to it.
IOSH’s Northern Ireland 10 August 2016 when a Since the start of last year, While it takes 20 years or
Branch works closely with
the Northern Ireland Safety
Group on a range of
initiatives, including sitting
on the WHLGNI.
As well as showcasing the
various current initiatives
and campaigns, the site
features good practice case
studies and videos,
information and relevant
links, the latest news and a
handy A – Z of workplace
health. The site will also
feature details of workplace
health events taking place
around the province.
Wilson Lambe, President
of NI Safety Group, former
President of IOSH (1998-
1999) and Chair of
WHLGNI, said: “There is a
plethora of good
information out there on
workplace health but
sometimes it can be difficult
NISO UPDATE! SUMMER 2019 1133537_NISO_Update_Layout 1 18/07/2019 14:30 Page 12
IOS H F ORU M
more for exposure to lead to who watch their loved ones
a cancer diagnosis, the suffer. All this is preventable
Institution of Occupational through good occupational
Safety and Health (IOSH) is safety and health. It is time
concerned that the number for organisations to wake
of buildings containing up and realise how
asbestos and a widespread dangerous asbestos is.
lack of awareness and There are no excuses.”
uncertainty on how to An IOSH-funded survey
manage it – particularly last year found there was a
among small and medium- worrying lack of awareness
sized organisations – means among tradespeople about
people will continue to asbestos. Of 500
become seriously ill in respondents, including
decades to come. electricians, carpenters,
Despite being banned in joiners and roofers, nearly
1999, it is present in at least one in four said they had
half a million buildings been exposed to asbestos,
constructed before this while one in three admitted
time, lurking in roofing, to never checking the
spray coatings, lagging, asbestos register before
insulating boards and cloth. starting work on a new site.
During Global Asbestos This lack of awareness is
Awareness Week (1-7 April), evidenced in some recent
IOSH called on court cases:
organisations to manage
risks more responsibly and
stop people being exposed CASE 1
to asbestos, which can lead
to fatal cancers like A hotelier was fined £80,000 after asbestos containing materials were disturbed
mesothelioma. during refurbishment of bathrooms and bedrooms at one of its properties.
IOSH’s Chief Executive Concerns about asbestos had been raised by an employee but no testing was done,
Bev Messinger addressed and work carried on for several months.
delegates at the
International Asbestos
Awareness and Prevention
Conference in Washington CASE 2
DC on Saturday 6 April,
A manufacturing organisation allowed its workers to demolish an internal wall,
highlighting the institution’s
exposing them to asbestos.
No Time to Lose campaign
to tackle occupational There had been no asbestos survey or up-to-date asbestos management plan for the
cancer. Bev said: premises. The company was fined £20,000.
“It is unacceptable that,
Former roofer Liam Bradley, 32, of Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, was diagnosed
20 years on from asbestos
with mesothelioma after surgeons operated on a collapsed lung following a fall
being banned in Britain,
from height. While the dad-of-one isn’t yet showing any symptoms, his future
organisations are still
remains unclear and he is urging organisations to provide more information for
potentially putting at risk
people at risk of exposure. He said:
the lives of employees, their
families and other members “I worked for a number of small organisations on quite a few refurbishment
of the public. Courts fine projects, yet I was told hardly anything about the risks of asbestos, so being
some of the worst diagnosed with mesothelioma came as a huge shock.
offenders, which causes
“It is incredibly frustrating that people continue to be ignorant about it. I get the
significant commercial and
sense that a lot of people think it’s an old wives’ tale, something there to scare you.
reputational damage, but
But it’s real. It’s happened to me, so it can happen to anyone else – businesses, and
the human costs far
the people who work for them, need to make it a priority.”
outweigh the financial cost.
“Thousands die in Britain Through its No Time to Lose campaign, IOSH is raising awareness of occupational
every year from cancers like cancer and some of the most common causes. Its current focus, which began a year
mesothelioma, while many ago, is asbestos. The institution has free resources which can assist businesses and
more are diagnosed with it. individuals on how to prevent asbestos exposure. For more information, visit
We must also consider the www.notimetolose.org.uk.
families of these people,
12 N ISO UPDAT E! SUM M ER 201933537_NISO_Update_Layout 1 18/07/2019 14:30 Page 13
33537_NISO_Update_Layout 1 18/07/2019 14:30 Page
% 14
%
%
%
%
LEG I S L ATI ON/ P U BL I C ATI ONS %
New Publications
%
Code of Practice for Offshore Working conditions in a global
Diving perspective
The aim of this code of practice is This report – the result of a
to provide practical guidance on pioneering project by the
%
the safe management of diving at % International Labour Organization
work. It provides assistance on the % and Eurofound – provides a
%
observance of the requirements of comparative analysis of job quality
the 2018 Diving Regulations. covering approximately 1.2 billion
Available to download from hsa.ie % workers in Europe, Asia and the %
%
%
Americas. It analyses seven dimensions of job quality:
Code of Practice for Inland Diving % the physical environment, work intensity, working time
and Inshore Diving quality, the social environment, skills and
% development,
The aim of this code of practice is prospects, and earnings, finding both important
to provide practical guidance on differences and similarities between countries.
the safe management of diving at Available to download from www.eurofound.europa.eu
%
work. It provides assistance on the %
observance of the requirements of EU-OSH Annual Report 2018
the 2018 Diving Regulations. % Annual Report 2018: a year of
Available to download from hsa.ie % collaboration, commitment and
%%%
%%
campaigning
Working conditions and workers’ %% The EU-OSHA Annual Report
% 2018 outlines significant milestones
health %
This report from Eurofound uses including the launch of the 2018-19
European Working Conditions Healthy Workplaces Manage
%
Survey data to examine working % Dangerous Substances campaign, %
%
conditions and their implications % publications of findings from some significant
% pieces
% %
for worker’s health. The findings % of work and the EU-OSHA’s events and awareness-
indicate that physical risks have not % raising activities.
increased but remain important, Available to download from osha.europa.eu
while emotional demands have increased, underlining the %
growing importance of psychosocial risks at work.
Available to download from www.eurofound.europa.eu
%
Share your thoughts…
If you have any health and safety
ideas, experiences, stories or tips
that you would like to share with
% NISO Update readers, we would
love to hear from you!
Please send an email expressing
your interest in contributing to
NISO Update to Geraldine at
gbrady@niso.ie.
14 N ISO UPDAT E! SUM M ER 201933537_NISO_Update_Layout 1 18/07/2019 14:30 Page 15
LEGISLATION/PU BLIC ATIONS
Legislation
S.I. No. 179 of 2019 - Safety, Health and Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 254 of 2018) by
Welfare at Work (Quarries) (Amendment) inserting an additional provision to Regulation 19.
Regulations 2019 The additional provision to Regulation 19 will
The purpose of these Regulations is to amend the allow for the recognition of certificates of fitness
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Quarries) to dive issued outside the State to be recognised by
Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 28 of 2008) to facilitate the Health and Safety Authority as meeting the
the recognition by SOLAS of equivalent requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at
registration cards and certification schemes from Work (Diving) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 254 of
states other than Member States as compliant with 2018) provided the Health and Safety Authority has
the provisions of these Regulations. The entered into an agreement with the relevant
Regulations also change any references to FÁS to authorities of the jurisdiction involved.
SOLAS and similarly change references to FETAC
to QQI following the establishment of the Quality S.I. No. 181 Of 2019 - Safety, Health and
and Qualifications Ireland and make other minor Welfare at Work Act 2005 (Agreement To
amendments, including the addition of a reference Recognise) Order 2019
to “common operator” in Regulation 12 for ease of The purpose of this Order (as provided for in
consistency section 35(1) of the Safety, Health and Welfare at
Work Act 2005 (No. 10 of 2005)) is to confer on
S.I. No. 180 of 2019 - Safety, Health and the Health and Safety Authority the function to
Welfare at Work (Diving) (Amendment) enter into agreements with persons or bodies
Regulations 2019 involved in safety, health and welfare at work in
The purpose of these Regulations is to amend the regard to the recognition of matters related to the
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Diving) functions of the Health and Safety Authority.
Fatal Workplace Injuries by Economic Sector 2009-2019 (NACE Revision 2)
Economic sector 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009
A Agriculture + forestry and fishing 12+0+3 15+1+4 25+0+2 22+0+4 18+6 30+1 16+5 20+8 22+5 22+7 10+3
B Mining and quarrying 0 0 0 1 2 0 2 1 1 0 2
C Manufacturing 3 2 0 2 3 3 1 0 2 2 1
D Electricity; gas, steam and air conditioning supply 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0
E Water supply, sewerage, waste management and
remediation activities 1 2 1 1 3 0 1 4 3 2 0
F Construction 2 5 6 10 11 8 11 8 6 6 10
G Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and
personal goods 1 2 2 2 2 4 3 3 2 4 2
H Transportation and storage 5 6 6 1 4 4 4 1 7 3 6
I Accommodation and food service activities 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
J Information and communication 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
K Financial and insurance activities 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
L Real estate activities 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
M Professional, scientific and technical activities 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 2 0 1
N Administrative and support service activities 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 1 0 0 1
O Public administration and defence; compulsory social security 0 0 5 1 4 0 0 0 1 0 2
P Education 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2
Q Human health and social work activities 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 1 1 1
R Arts, entertainment and recreation 0 2 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0
S Other service activities 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
Total 27 39 48 48 56 55 47 48 54 48 43
(Source: HSA, correct at 5 July 2019. Note that some accidents may be investigation and may not have been recorded yet.)
NISO UPDATE! SUMMER 2019 1533537_NISO_Update_Layout 1 18/07/2019 14:30 Page 16
E V E NTS
Upcoming Events
Please keep an eye on our website niso.ie for forthcoming courses in 2019.
1. SOLAS Safe Pass Training: 3. Courses and events in the 4. National/All Ireland Events
East: NISO Training Centre, A11 regions NISO Annual Health and Safety
Calmount Park, Ballymount, Dublin 12 Conference
EAST REGION The Galmont Hotel & Spa, Galway
Dates: 26 & 30 July; 2, 9 & 16 August Course: NISO Certificate in Safety, 11 October 2019
Duration: 1 day Health and Welfare at Work
NISO Training Centre, Dublin 12
Trade Exhibition of Health and Safety
Course length: 13 weeks/2 hrs p/wk
2. Courses scheduled at NISO Products and Services
Commencing: 17 September 2019 The Galmont Hotel & Spa, Galway
Training Centre, Ballymount, Contact: info@niso.ie 11 October 2019
Dublin 12 MIDLAND REGION
Manual Handling Basic Course: NISO Certificate in Safety, NISO/NISG All Ireland Safety Awards
(NISO Certificate) Health and Welfare at Work Gala Dinner
Duration: half day Athlone Institute of Technology The Galmont Hotel & Spa, Galway
Course length: 13 weeks/2 hrs p/wk 11 October 2019
Dates: 25 July; 8 & 22 August
Commencing: 23 September 2019
First Aid Response Contact: sreidy@ait.ie
(PHECC Certificate)
Duration: 3 days MID WEST REGION
Dates: 12-14 August Course: NISO Certificate in Safety,
Health and Welfare at Work
Manual Handling Instruction Limerick Institute of Technology
(QQI L6) Course length: 13 weeks/2 hrs p/wk
Duration: 5 days (4 days week 1/ Commencing: 24 September 2019
1 day week 2) Contact: FLLimerick@lit.ie
Dates: 16, 17, 18, 19 & 23 September
NORTH WEST REGION
VDU/DSE Assessor Training Promoting Health and Wellbeing in
(NISO Certificate) the Workplace – Workshop
Duration: 1 day Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa,
Dates: Early September TBC Ballincar, Co. Sligo
Commencing: 3 September 2019
SOUTH REGION
Course: NISO Certificate in Safety,
Health and Welfare at Work
Venue: CSN College of Further
Education, Cork
Course length: 13 weeks/2 hrs p/wk
Commencing: 17 September 2019
SOUTH EAST REGION
Course: NISO Certificate in Safety,
Health and Welfare at Work
Venue: Waterford Institute of
Technology
Course length: 13 weeks/2 hrs p/wk
Commencing: 24 September 2019
Contact: info@niso.ie
NISO, A11 Calmount Park,
WEST REGION Calmount Avenue,
Course: NISO Certificate in Safety, Ballymount, Dublin 12.
Health and Welfare at Work
Tel: 01 465 9760 Fax: 01 465
Venue: GMIT Castlebar Campus
Course length: 13 weeks/2 hrs p/wk 9765 Email: info@niso.ie
Commencing: 17 September 2019 Website: niso.ie
Contact: info@niso.ie
16 N ISO UPDAT E! SUM M ER 2019You can also read
