Inspections of high risk sectors and support for SME sector key themes in 2014 Tuesday 11th February The Health and Safety Authority has today, (Tuesday 11th February), published its 2014 programme of work, which gives details of its priorities, initiatives and inspection numbers for the year. Two of the Authority’s main priorities are to reduce the numbers killed and injured in agriculture and to reduce the high level of deaths involving vehicles in the workplace. Both of these areas are where the majority of fatal accidents have occurred over the last number of years. Of the 11,520 inspections and investigations planned across all sectors, there will be 2,900 in agriculture, 2,500 in construction, 1,200 in chemicals, 700 in manufacturing and 800 inspections to help raise awareness in small businesses. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD said, “It is important to recognise the difficulties facing all businesses. The collaborative approach adopted by the Authority, using targeted inspections and compliance tools, is designed to encourage buy-in from all stakeholders as part of good sustainable business practices. As we implement the Action Plan for Jobs, rebuild the economy and create employment it is important that trends in workplace accidents and ill-health continue downwards”. Martin O’Halloran, CEO of the Health and Safety Authority said a sustained reduction in workplace accidents cannot be achieved by enforcement activity alone, “While we welcome a 25% reduction in agriculture fatalities last year, we believe that behavioural change is the key to achieving year-on-year low accident rates in all sectors. This year we will continue to make compliance easier and promote the benefits of working safely. It’s not about restrictive work practices and increased costs, good health and safety performance is actually the opposite.” Michael Horgan, Chairman of the Authority, believes that the targets set for this year are ambitious but achievable, “I believe that we can deliver what is a very comprehensive programme, reaching across all sectors. While, like all public services, we are working with reduced resources, our inspection and awareness raising activities are making a positive impact on Irish workplaces.” Other priorities include promoting chemical safety with the objective of protecting human health and the environment while supporting and enhancing industry competitiveness. The Authority will also continue its focus on the “workers of the future” with a range of programmes aimed at primary, secondary and third level students. Copies of the Programme of Work - 2014 can be downloaded from www.hsa.ie. - See more at: www.hsa.ie

Concern at high number of workplace fatalities occurring in Cork County has recorded highest number of workplace deaths over last four years 10th April 2014 Following a detailed review of workplace deaths, the Health and Safety Authority has today (Thursday 10th April) expressed serious concern at the high number of workplace fatalities that have occurred in recent years in County Cork. During 2012 there were nine people killed in work-related accidents in Cork; five in the fishing sector, two in construction, one in agriculture and one in public administration. Last year, 2013, saw a worsening picture with twelve people killed in work-related accidents in the county; six in agriculture, four in construction, one in education and one in fishing. Waterford and Dublin were the counties with the next highest number of deaths with four in each. Speaking about the alarming number of deaths, Brian Higgisson, Assistant Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority said that the fatality numbers in Cork have been consistently higher compared to any other county for the last number of years. “We usually analyse fatalities by economic sector but we cannot ignore the fact that for five of the last six years there have been more fatalities in Cork than in any other county. We have a significant presence in the county and our inspections cover all sectors, we plan to carry out additionalinspections across the county this year. We will also provide support to stakeholder initiatives in addressing the situation.” “While inspections and enforcement are important, increased awareness and good workplace safety practice will reduce accidents. I would encourage self-employed people to give priority to safety in their work activities and I would ask employers and employees to work together to make all workplaces safer. The approach of our inspectors is to work with and help those who want to improve and to take enforcement action only where absolutely necessary.” The trend in relation to high risk industry sectors in Cork is reflected nationally. The agriculture, fishing and construction sectors, which largely involve self-employed individuals, are the most hazardous sectors to work in regardless of location. There is a high concentration of dairy farms in Cork and research shows that this type of farming is highly pressurised and potentially hazardous. Also, fishing and construction are important industries and are identified as high risk activities. This year the Authority will roll out specific inspection and awareness campaigns targeted at those sectors. There have been twelve fatalities nationally so far this year, with two in Cork; one in agriculture and one in construction. For free workplace health and safety guidance and information, contact the Health and Safety Authority on LoCall 1890 289 389 or visit www.hsa.ie. - See more at: www.hsa.ie