11th January 2022Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English TD, launches the Health and Safety Authority’s new Strategy Statement 2022 - 2024The HSA’s Strategy Statement 2022 – 2024 sets out continued goals to promote, regulate and influence the areas across its wide and varied mandate.The Strategy Statement highlights key goals in tackling current and emerging challenges and opportunities in Ireland’s workplaces including the introduction of remote/hybrid working, advancements in technology and the green economy, the ‘gig economy’, and the particular needs of vulnerable workers and migrant groups. Through the increased funding provided by Government the Authority is establishing a new division to give further emphasis on occupational health hazards and risks, including those associated with psychosocial and ergonomic risks, and exposure to chemical and biological agents.  The Strategy Statement sets out the continued development of strong alliances and networks with EU and international colleagues whilst also adapting our longstanding working relationship with UK and Northern Ireland colleagues as we respond to the changes brought about by the UK exit from the EU.As the EU implements its ambitious Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability towards a Toxic-Free Environment, the Authority will be leading the Irish input through its national competent authority role as well as its membership of key EU Commission and European Chemicals Agency committees. The Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English TD, has today, January 11th, launched the Health and Safety Authority’s new Strategy Statement for 2022 – 2024. The new Strategy sets out the Authority’s continued goals to promote, regulate and influence the culture of safety and health in the workplace. The Health and Safety Authority has a wide and varied mandate including acting as the national body with responsibility for protecting all workers nationwide from work-related incidents, injuries and ill health. It also acts as the market surveillance authority for chemicals and industrial products and protects all citizens from the risks arising from the use of chemicals. The Authority provides the national accreditation service through the Irish National Accreditation Body (INAB).Launching the new HSA Strategy Statement, Minster Damien English TD, stated: “This new strategy clearly sets out the HSA’s priorities and goals whilst taking into account the ongoing challenges that workers and organisations, including the Authority, will face over the next three years. These include emerging from the COVID-19 public health pandemic, dealing with the continued fallout from the UK exit from the EU and addressing new ways of working. The strategy is also responding to the increasing use of technology in the workplace and the challenges and opportunities this can present in keeping our workplaces safe”.“The Government recognises the importance of the wide and varied role of the HSA and I look forward to working with the Authority to support and enable it to meet its vision of healthy, safe and productive lives and enterprises over the course of this strategy”.To coincide with the Strategy Statement 2022-2024 the Authority has published a Programme of Work which details the key priorities for 2022. In the year ahead, the Authority will continue to focus on high-risk sectors and hazards which cause fatalities, incidents, injuries and ill health, such as falling from heights and the hazards of working with machinery. In addition, it will emphasise the need to address occupational health hazards, in particular those associated with psychosocial and ergonomic risks, and exposure to chemical and biological agents.Looking forward there are also new challenges, including the impact of the pandemic in accelerating the move to remote/hybrid working and the continued growth of the ‘gig economy’ in Ireland. The strategy also highlights the particular needs of vulnerable workers and migrant groups.In presenting this new strategy and the Authority’s Programme of Work for 2022, Dr Sharon McGuinness, Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority, said:“Throughout the implementation of our new Strategy Statement and our annual Programmes of Work, the Authority will be setting out to achieve tangible outcomes in occupational safety and health (OSH), accreditation, chemicals, and market surveillance. The key to a successful and productive economy and workforce is a commitment to safer and healthier working lives for all.”“The Authority remains focused on the challenges facing today’s workplaces and enterprises, but is also looking ahead to the future where we see the introduction of new technology and the increased focus on climate action and chemicals sustainability, bringing benefits to occupational safety and health. The Authority will also remain committed to offering enterprises, employers and employees a range of tools and supports to enable them to meet their statutory obligations and ensuring they keep themselves and their workplaces safe.” The HSA strategy launched today is the sixth strategy statement presented by the Authority and was developed in collaboration with key stakeholders and through public consultation. It was developed with the present and future conditions of workplaces and the needs of enterprises across Ireland in mind.  Tom Coughlan, Chairperson of the Health and Safety Authority, said on presenting the Strategy Statement for 2022-2024: “Setting out the goals and key objectives of this Strategy Statement highlights the importance of partnership and collaboration and how it continues to be at the forefront of how we promote compliance. As a tripartite Board, with representatives from employee and employer stakeholders as members, we recognise the importance of constructive and co-operative engagement in meeting the goal of safe and healthy workplaces for all and we encourage employers and employees to continue to engage and work with the Authority in achieving this.”To download and read in full please visit the HSA website The HSA’s Strategy Statement 2022 – 2024Programme of Work 2022Adblock test (Why?)

Monday 5th DecemberThe Health and Safety Authority has announced that it is participating in a European-wide enforcement campaign to assess the presence of restricted chemicals in jewellery, glues and adhesives.The chemicals cadmium, nickel and lead are banned in jewellery while benzene, chloroform and toluene are banned in glues and adhesives.The campaign is part of an inspection drive led by the European Chemicals Agency. The aim is to ensure these consumer products comply with the REACH Regulation, which is designed to improve chemicals safety in the European Union. Inspectors from the Authority have been checking for the presence of restricted chemicals in jewellery articles, glues and adhesives sold on the Irish market.Yvonne Mullooly, Senior Inspector with the HSA said: “This campaign involves checking jewellery, glues and adhesives to see if these banned chemicals are present. Importers, manufacturers and distributors of jewellery and glue products should already be aware of the legal requirements within the REACH Regulation and retailers selling such products should check with their suppliers to ensure their existing stock is compliant. All non-compliant stock should be removed from the shelves.”Importers, distributors and retailers are encouraged to check the weekly EU RAPEX alert system which identifies the list of goods found to be not compliant with EU requirements.For more information on REACH restricted chemicals see the HSA website at http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Your_Industry/Chemicals/Legislation_Enforcement/REACH/Restriction/Ends Submission completed, thank you! Adblock test (Why?)

Minister Breen makes comments while attending farm safety walk in Co. ClareMonday 12th December 2016The Minister for Employment and Small Business, Pat Breen TD, and up to 30 local farmers, have attended a farm safety walk in Co. Clare today. The walk took place on the farm of Martin Fennell, a suckler farmer in Ballyket, Kilrush.The event was organised by the Health and Safety Authority and Teagasc and is designed to give local farmers an opportunity to learn first-hand about the practicalities of safety. It allows farmers to see and discuss good practice, while learning how to minimise the risk of accidents to themselves and their families.There were four key areas addressed; Tractors and machinery, livestock handling, farm buildings and slurry management.During the walk farmers were given advice and information on; risks around tractor use, changing & maintaining PTO guards, vehicle safety including a SAFE STOP procedure and the additional risks involved when carrying out maintenance work. Examples of good practice, such as yard layout and lighting, cattle handling facilities and adequate calving facilities, were also on show.Farmers were encouraged to take more care when working at height, to use the appropriate equipment such as a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) and not to take risks particularly while carrying out maintenance on fragile roofs. The importance of removing livestock and only carrying out slurry agitation on a windy day was also emphasised.Speaking at the event Minister Breen voiced his concern at the sharp increase in fatal accidents on farms recently: “Since mid-November there have been four people killed on farms, with 19 deaths in total so far this year. No other sector is experiencing that level of fatal accidents and it is greatly concerning to me that so many families are losing loved ones due to work activity. I would appeal to farmers to take some time to consider the risks in every job they do and to work out a plan to manage the hazards before they start work.Farming is a way of life as well as an industry and we must remember that it is not the farmer that is at risk, but family members too. I believe that we must all work together, as a community along with the HSA and Teagasc, to reduce these tragedies. Farm safety walks are an excellent example of this, they encourage farmer-to-farmer learning and promote safer farming.”Professor Jim Phelan, Chair of the Farm Safety Partnership called on farmers to commit to making changes in how they approach farm safety: “These events give the HSA and Teagasc an opportunity to meet with farmers in one location and give practical advice on farm safety. We know that farmers are receptive to the message that safety is vital, but we need to see that manifest in how they approach their work. Safety is not something you just talk about, it is something you must build into your work every day.”John McNamara, National Health and Safety Specialist with Teagasc said that Knowledge Transfer (KT) is becoming important in all aspects of farming: “Farm walks and knowledge transfer groups are about establishing networks so farmers can learn from each other. They are integral to much of what we, in Teagasc, are working towards.”EndsAdblock test (Why?)

HSA launches free online course for employers and managersWednesday 14th DecemberThe Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has today (Wednesday 14th December) launched a free short online course, aimed at assisting employers in managing workplace bullying complaints. It can be accessed through the HSA e-learning portal http://hsalearning.ie. The 30 minute online course will help employers and managers to understand the nature of bullying complaints and to deal with them appropriately.Employers and managers need to upskill themselves in order to be ready and capable of recognising what is workplace bullying and what is not, and to be capable of dealing with such complaints, in terms of procedures and policies, promptly and effectively.The course covers key areas such as what is specific to a bullying complaint, examples of bullying and non-type complaints as well as guidance on the appropriate and inappropriate reaction of managers. It concludes with the anti-bullying policy and the type of information that should be contained in this workplace document.At the end of this course learners should be able to:identify a bullying-type complaint, whether verbal or written;understand the need to take care in how managers react to such complaints;recognise the particular dangers associated with reacting in a casual, off-hand or insensitive way to such complaints;implement the appropriate policy documents to prevent bullying issues and to properly manage these issues; andsource workplace bullying information.Organisational psychologist and Inspector with the Health and Safety Authority, Patricia Murray said, “The focus on bullying at work is rightly on the victim. However it can be a challenge for organisations and employers to respond appropriately and it is essential that bullying complaints are taken seriously and handled properly.Ms. Murray added, “Even if the complaint is not bullying per se but another conflict-type relationship breakdown, reasonably presented complaints still need to be attended to and processed properly. This short online course will give managers and employers a good introduction to the subject and plenty of guidance on where to seek further information.”HSA Education Manager, Joanne Harmon said: “Learners can take courses during their own time, at their own pace and can download a certificate of completion on passing the short assessment. Although not a formal qualification, certification can form part of an individual’s training or continuous professional development record.”To see the full range of HSA online courses on offer, browse and/or register as a learner on http://hsalearning.ie. If you are interested in further information on HSA online learning or to register these or other courses for continuing professional development points, contact: [email protected] .For further advice and guidance on bullying at work see: http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Workplace_Health/ENDS Submission completed, thank you! Adblock test (Why?)

Monday 5th DecemberThe Health and Safety Authority has announced that it is participating in a European-wide enforcement campaign to assess the presence of restricted chemicals in jewellery, glues and adhesives.The chemicals cadmium, nickel and lead are banned in jewellery while benzene, chloroform and toluene are banned in glues and adhesives.The campaign is part of an inspection drive led by the European Chemicals Agency. The aim is to ensure these consumer products comply with the REACH Regulation, which is designed to improve chemicals safety in the European Union. Inspectors from the Authority have been checking for the presence of restricted chemicals in jewellery articles, glues and adhesives sold on the Irish market.Yvonne Mullooly, Senior Inspector with the HSA said: “This campaign involves checking jewellery, glues and adhesives to see if these banned chemicals are present. Importers, manufacturers and distributors of jewellery and glue products should already be aware of the legal requirements within the REACH Regulation and retailers selling such products should check with their suppliers to ensure their existing stock is compliant. All non-compliant stock should be removed from the shelves.”Importers, distributors and retailers are encouraged to check the weekly EU RAPEX alert system which identifies the list of goods found to be not compliant with EU requirements.For more information on REACH restricted chemicals see the HSA website at http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Your_Industry/Chemicals/Legislation_Enforcement/REACH/Restriction/Ends Submission completed, thank you! Let's block ads! (Why?)

Minister Breen makes comments while attending farm safety walk in Co. ClareMonday 12th December 2016The Minister for Employment and Small Business, Pat Breen TD, and up to 30 local farmers, have attended a farm safety walk in Co. Clare today. The walk took place on the farm of Martin Fennell, a suckler farmer in Ballyket, Kilrush.The event was organised by the Health and Safety Authority and Teagasc and is designed to give local farmers an opportunity to learn first-hand about the practicalities of safety. It allows farmers to see and discuss good practice, while learning how to minimise the risk of accidents to themselves and their families.There were four key areas addressed; Tractors and machinery, livestock handling, farm buildings and slurry management.During the walk farmers were given advice and information on; risks around tractor use, changing & maintaining PTO guards, vehicle safety including a SAFE STOP procedure and the additional risks involved when carrying out maintenance work. Examples of good practice, such as yard layout and lighting, cattle handling facilities and adequate calving facilities, were also on show.Farmers were encouraged to take more care when working at height, to use the appropriate equipment such as a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) and not to take risks particularly while carrying out maintenance on fragile roofs. The importance of removing livestock and only carrying out slurry agitation on a windy day was also emphasised.Speaking at the event Minister Breen voiced his concern at the sharp increase in fatal accidents on farms recently: “Since mid-November there have been four people killed on farms, with 19 deaths in total so far this year. No other sector is experiencing that level of fatal accidents and it is greatly concerning to me that so many families are losing loved ones due to work activity. I would appeal to farmers to take some time to consider the risks in every job they do and to work out a plan to manage the hazards before they start work.Farming is a way of life as well as an industry and we must remember that it is not the farmer that is at risk, but family members too. I believe that we must all work together, as a community along with the HSA and Teagasc, to reduce these tragedies. Farm safety walks are an excellent example of this, they encourage farmer-to-farmer learning and promote safer farming.”Professor Jim Phelan, Chair of the Farm Safety Partnership called on farmers to commit to making changes in how they approach farm safety: “These events give the HSA and Teagasc an opportunity to meet with farmers in one location and give practical advice on farm safety. We know that farmers are receptive to the message that safety is vital, but we need to see that manifest in how they approach their work. Safety is not something you just talk about, it is something you must build into your work every day.”John McNamara, National Health and Safety Specialist with Teagasc said that Knowledge Transfer (KT) is becoming important in all aspects of farming: “Farm walks and knowledge transfer groups are about establishing networks so farmers can learn from each other. They are integral to much of what we, in Teagasc, are working towards.”EndsLet's block ads! (Why?)

HSA launches free online course for employers and managersWednesday 14th DecemberThe Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has today (Wednesday 14th December) launched a free short online course, aimed at assisting employers in managing workplace bullying complaints. It can be accessed through the HSA e-learning portal http://hsalearning.ie. The 30 minute online course will help employers and managers to understand the nature of bullying complaints and to deal with them appropriately.Employers and managers need to upskill themselves in order to be ready and capable of recognising what is workplace bullying and what is not, and to be capable of dealing with such complaints, in terms of procedures and policies, promptly and effectively.The course covers key areas such as what is specific to a bullying complaint, examples of bullying and non-type complaints as well as guidance on the appropriate and inappropriate reaction of managers. It concludes with the anti-bullying policy and the type of information that should be contained in this workplace document.At the end of this course learners should be able to:identify a bullying-type complaint, whether verbal or written;understand the need to take care in how managers react to such complaints;recognise the particular dangers associated with reacting in a casual, off-hand or insensitive way to such complaints;implement the appropriate policy documents to prevent bullying issues and to properly manage these issues; andsource workplace bullying information.Organisational psychologist and Inspector with the Health and Safety Authority, Patricia Murray said, “The focus on bullying at work is rightly on the victim. However it can be a challenge for organisations and employers to respond appropriately and it is essential that bullying complaints are taken seriously and handled properly.Ms. Murray added, “Even if the complaint is not bullying per se but another conflict-type relationship breakdown, reasonably presented complaints still need to be attended to and processed properly. This short online course will give managers and employers a good introduction to the subject and plenty of guidance on where to seek further information.”HSA Education Manager, Joanne Harmon said: “Learners can take courses during their own time, at their own pace and can download a certificate of completion on passing the short assessment. Although not a formal qualification, certification can form part of an individual’s training or continuous professional development record.”To see the full range of HSA online courses on offer, browse and/or register as a learner on http://hsalearning.ie. If you are interested in further information on HSA online learning or to register these or other courses for continuing professional development points, contact: [email protected] .For further advice and guidance on bullying at work see: http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Workplace_Health/ENDS Submission completed, thank you! Let's block ads! (Why?)

Monday 5th DecemberThe Health and Safety Authority has announced that it is participating in a European-wide enforcement campaign to assess the presence of restricted chemicals in jewellery, glues and adhesives.The chemicals cadmium, nickel and lead are banned in jewellery while benzene, chloroform and toluene are banned in glues and adhesives.The campaign is part of an inspection drive led by the European Chemicals Agency. The aim is to ensure these consumer products comply with the REACH Regulation, which is designed to improve chemicals safety in the European Union. Inspectors from the Authority have been checking for the presence of restricted chemicals in jewellery articles, glues and adhesives sold on the Irish market.Yvonne Mullooly, Senior Inspector with the HSA said: “This campaign involves checking jewellery, glues and adhesives to see if these banned chemicals are present. Importers, manufacturers and distributors of jewellery and glue products should already be aware of the legal requirements within the REACH Regulation and retailers selling such products should check with their suppliers to ensure their existing stock is compliant. All non-compliant stock should be removed from the shelves.”Importers, distributors and retailers are encouraged to check the weekly EU RAPEX alert system which identifies the list of goods found to be not compliant with EU requirements.For more information on REACH restricted chemicals see the HSA website at http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Your_Industry/Chemicals/Legislation_Enforcement/REACH/Restriction/Ends Let's block ads! (Why?)

Minister Breen makes comments while attending farm safety walk in Co. ClareMonday 12th December 2016The Minister for Employment and Small Business, Pat Breen TD, and up to 30 local farmers, have attended a farm safety walk in Co. Clare today. The walk took place on the farm of Martin Fennell, a suckler farmer in Ballyket, Kilrush.The event was organised by the Health and Safety Authority and Teagasc and is designed to give local farmers an opportunity to learn first-hand about the practicalities of safety. It allows farmers to see and discuss good practice, while learning how to minimise the risk of accidents to themselves and their families.There were four key areas addressed; Tractors and machinery, livestock handling, farm buildings and slurry management.During the walk farmers were given advice and information on; risks around tractor use, changing & maintaining PTO guards, vehicle safety including a SAFE STOP procedure and the additional risks involved when carrying out maintenance work. Examples of good practice, such as yard layout and lighting, cattle handling facilities and adequate calving facilities, were also on show.Farmers were encouraged to take more care when working at height, to use the appropriate equipment such as a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) and not to take risks particularly while carrying out maintenance on fragile roofs. The importance of removing livestock and only carrying out slurry agitation on a windy day was also emphasised.Speaking at the event Minister Breen voiced his concern at the sharp increase in fatal accidents on farms recently: “Since mid-November there have been four people killed on farms, with 19 deaths in total so far this year. No other sector is experiencing that level of fatal accidents and it is greatly concerning to me that so many families are losing loved ones due to work activity. I would appeal to farmers to take some time to consider the risks in every job they do and to work out a plan to manage the hazards before they start work.Farming is a way of life as well as an industry and we must remember that it is not the farmer that is at risk, but family members too. I believe that we must all work together, as a community along with the HSA and Teagasc, to reduce these tragedies. Farm safety walks are an excellent example of this, they encourage farmer-to-farmer learning and promote safer farming.”Professor Jim Phelan, Chair of the Farm Safety Partnership called on farmers to commit to making changes in how they approach farm safety: “These events give the HSA and Teagasc an opportunity to meet with farmers in one location and give practical advice on farm safety. We know that farmers are receptive to the message that safety is vital, but we need to see that manifest in how they approach their work. Safety is not something you just talk about, it is something you must build into your work every day.”John McNamara, National Health and Safety Specialist with Teagasc said that Knowledge Transfer (KT) is becoming important in all aspects of farming: “Farm walks and knowledge transfer groups are about establishing networks so farmers can learn from each other. They are integral to much of what we, in Teagasc, are working towards.”EndsLet's block ads! (Why?)

HSA launches free online course for employers and managersWednesday 14th DecemberThe Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has today (Wednesday 14th December) launched a free short online course, aimed at assisting employers in managing workplace bullying complaints. It can be accessed through the HSA e-learning portal http://hsalearning.ie. The 30 minute online course will help employers and managers to understand the nature of bullying complaints and to deal with them appropriately.Employers and managers need to upskill themselves in order to be ready and capable of recognising what is workplace bullying and what is not, and to be capable of dealing with such complaints, in terms of procedures and policies, promptly and effectively.The course covers key areas such as what is specific to a bullying complaint, examples of bullying and non-type complaints as well as guidance on the appropriate and inappropriate reaction of managers. It concludes with the anti-bullying policy and the type of information that should be contained in this workplace document.At the end of this course learners should be able to:identify a bullying-type complaint, whether verbal or written;understand the need to take care in how managers react to such complaints;recognise the particular dangers associated with reacting in a casual, off-hand or insensitive way to such complaints;implement the appropriate policy documents to prevent bullying issues and to properly manage these issues; andsource workplace bullying information.Organisational psychologist and Inspector with the Health and Safety Authority, Patricia Murray said, “The focus on bullying at work is rightly on the victim. However it can be a challenge for organisations and employers to respond appropriately and it is essential that bullying complaints are taken seriously and handled properly.Ms. Murray added, “Even if the complaint is not bullying per se but another conflict-type relationship breakdown, reasonably presented complaints still need to be attended to and processed properly. This short online course will give managers and employers a good introduction to the subject and plenty of guidance on where to seek further information.”HSA Education Manager, Joanne Harmon said: “Learners can take courses during their own time, at their own pace and can download a certificate of completion on passing the short assessment. Although not a formal qualification, certification can form part of an individual’s training or continuous professional development record.”To see the full range of HSA online courses on offer, browse and/or register as a learner on http://hsalearning.ie. If you are interested in further information on HSA online learning or to register these or other courses for continuing professional development points, contact: [email protected] .For further advice and guidance on bullying at work see: http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Workplace_Health/ENDSLet's block ads! (Why?)