05.11.2008

Occupational injury on the rise

The level of occupational illness has been steadily increasing over the past number of years and is now a serious issue for Irish workplaces according to the Minister for Labour Affairs, Mr. Billy Kelleher TD. Speaking this week at the National Safety Representative Conference hosted by the Health and Safety Authority in Croke Park, Minister Kelleher said: "The focus for most employers up to now has been on the safety element of health and safety.

However, the health and well-being of workers is just as important as their physical safety and I urge all
employers to give this the attention it deserves." "Illnesses related to work are becoming increasingly common in Irish workplaces. The prevention of accidents is, of course, important but I'm calling today on all
organisations to give equal focus to worker health and well-being," Martin O'Halloran, Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority said.

An expert group, commissioned by the HSA, recently developed a new national strategy on workplace health and well-being to address the growth of occupational illnesses. The strategy highlights a number of particular illness types that significantly impact individuals in the workplace including musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), mental health issues which may result from workplace bullying and stress, and health
issues in relation to noise and vibration, dermatitis, asthma and cancers.

Most employers are aware of their obligations to protect workers from physical harm but are less aware of their duty to protect their health and well-being. "Occupational health and well-being is an area which the HSA will step up on in the coming months and years. It's important that all organisations understand that illness as a result of work activity is just as serious as having an accident and take the appropriate actions to ensure workers are adequately protected," O'Halloran added.


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