Safety Check | Monthly Workplace Safety & Health Newsletter
January 2024
Welcome to the latest edition of our Monthly Workplace Safety & Health Newsletter! As we embark on January, we are thrilled to bring you valuable insights, industry updates, and expert tips to enhance the safety and well-being of your workplace.
In this edition, we delve into 2023 Workplace accidents, shedding light on HSA recruitment challenges, training courses and ask the expert question of the month.
Featured Topic:
HSA report 43 died in workplace accidents last year
The Health and Safety Authority’s recent report reveals a concerning increase in workplace fatalities, with 43 lives lost in accidents in 2023, marking a significant rise of 15 from 2022 and the highest in the past three years. Of those tragically affected, 53% were self-employed, and 51% were over the age of 55. The sectors most impacted were agriculture, construction, water/waste, transport and storage, administration and support services, health/social care, manufacturing, wholesale/retail, fishing, and information/communications. The leading causes were working with vehicles and falls from heights. Emphasizing the importance of risk assessments, the HSA urges all duty holders to prioritize health and safety in 2024, emphasizing that every work-related fatality is preventable. Despite this increase, it is noted that the long-term trend shows a decrease in work-related fatalities, with the rate falling from 2.8 in 2014 to 1.6 in 2023, demonstrating positive strides in workplace safety over the years. Full HSA press release can be viewed here.
Safety Tips:
Expert Tips for a Safer Workplace in relation to working at height:
- Ensure Comprehensive Training and Certification
- Proper Equipment and Fall Protection
- Risk Assessment and Planning
Remember that compliance with relevant safety regulations and standards is essential. Regularly review and update safety procedures based on changing conditions or incidents to continuously improve the safety culture on construction sites. It is also crucial to foster a culture of communication where workers feel empowered to report unsafe conditions or behaviours promptly.
Legislation:
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has initiated a consultation process for a new Code of Practice addressing the Safe Use of Industrial Trucks. (Forklift Trucks are the most common used)
Once implemented, this new Code will replace the current Rider Operated Lift Trucks Code of Practice. The proposed new Code is considerably longer than the current Code which is 76 pages compared to the previous 32 pages. This document can be viewed here.
Workshops and Training opportunities:
- HSA Accident Investigation Workshop (New)
- Fire Marshal Training
- Manual Handling Training
- Induction Training
Ask the Expert
Question:
What should health and safety Consultants provide for their clients?
Answer:
- Conduct Risk Assessments.
- Develop a Safety Statement.
- Conduct Training Needs Analysis.
- Provide Safety Consultation when required.
- Assist with Clients in relation to Accident Investigations / Accident Reporting.
- Keep Clients informed of changes to Legislation / Codes of Practice.
This is the short answer, Clients needs vary from day to day and Safety consultants will provide support as and when required, in some cases your consultant will bring in industry experts for example Health Surveillance Experts, Fire and Rescue Experts, Engineering Firms etc. If you have a question, click on the Contact us link and we will answer your question.
Stay connected with us on LinkedIn or Facebook for real-time updates, and don’t miss out on our upcoming workshops and training opportunities listed in this edition. If you would like to subscribe to our monthly newsletter click here and subscribe.
