Mary Darlington’s Post

Today, on World Day for Safety & Health at Work & International Workers Memorial Day, we pause to reflect on the sobering statistics released by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) regarding work-related fatalities in Ireland last year. These findings revealed a heart-wrenching reality: 43 individuals lost their lives in work-related incidents in 2023. While we acknowledge a decade-long decline in the rate of fatalities per 100,000 workers, sectors like construction and farming continue to face alarming challenges. The statistics underscore the critical importance of prioritising safety in the workplace. Mark Cullen, Assistant Chief Executive at HSA, has emphasised the necessity of meticulous risk assessments and the implementation of appropriate safety measures, particularly among the self-employed. At Chris Mee's EHS International we stand committed to supporting organisations in their journey towards safer and healthier work environments. Our comprehensive approach integrates communication, safety expertise, and marketing strategies to drive positive change. Together, let’s honour the memory of those we’ve lost by renewing our dedication to workplace safety. Every work-related fatality is preventable, and together, we can make a difference https://lnkd.in/eJrh4qeb

Behind every statistic is a person. The impact on families, colleagues, workplaces ,communities cannot be measured. It often takes a day like today ( World Day for Safety & Health at Work) for us to take on board the enormity of these stats. Building Strong Safety Cultures where people choose to work safely and look out for each other.. Creating workplaces where positive safety is given the same attention as negative safety. It all starts witn prevention & intervention. Prevention: Risk Assessment - Identify the Hazard ( What can cause harm to Me or others ) Assess the Risks (could it happen and, if so , How Bad would the outcome be?) Controls ( Can it be eliminated ? If. It cant, what else can I do to reduce down the potential to as low as reasonably practicable?). Include workers , monitor and review. Use learnings to build up your controls. Intervention : Supporting workers in the field , empowering them to say “ Stop” if they feel the task is less safe than it should be. Behind every stat is a person.A person who has a family , friends , colleagues , communities who want them to come home safe. Today ,we pause and reflect on these sobering statistics. It reinforces the need to “ Do What Matters Most ….When it Matters Most” It’s a call to action for all of us.

📣Today marks 50 years since the commencement of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974. To celebrate the anniversary of this ground-breaking piece of legislation, RRC's Associate Tutor Dr Jonathan Backhouse writes reflecting on the act, it's importance, legacy and what comes next. Read the blog post here: https://lnkd.in/e6s3jcnH #healthandsafetyatworkact #healthandsafety #blog

At Safety Matters, we offer a wide range of services to keep your business safe and compliant. One essential service is Safety Statements—a must-have for workplace safety under Irish law. 🪑🖥️ 🔍 What is a Safety Statement? Under Section 20 of Ireland’s Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, all employers, including the self-employed, are required to have a Safety Statement that addresses their workplace hazards and activities. Key Elements of a Safety Statement (as outlined by the HSA): ✅ Top Management Involvement: A clear plan backed by leadership. 👥 Stakeholder Engagement: Involving employees in the consultation process. ⚡ Action-Focused Compliance: Ensuring all safety and health regulations are met. 🛑 Hazard Identification: Spotting risks and prioritizing actions to prevent injury. 📊 Regular Monitoring: Keeping safety measures in check with regular reviews. 👔 Clear Accountability: Assigning specific roles for safety and health responsibilities. 🔄 Systematic Follow-Up: Addressing issues promptly when identified. 👷♂️ Competent Resources: Ensuring qualified people are in charge of safety. 💪 Workplace-Wide Commitment: Getting everyone on board for a safe environment. 🔑 Remember: A Safety Statement must be personalized to your business—it’s not a one-size-fits-all document! A generic safety statement won’t comply with the law. Ongoing Responsibilities 📅 Annual Reviews: Review your Safety Statement regularly (at least once a year or when there are significant changes). 📣 Employee Awareness: Ensure all employees and anyone at risk are aware of the Safety Statement and its contents. At Safety Matters, we can help you create and maintain a fully compliant, tailored Safety Statement. Reach out to us today or check our website for more info: https://lnkd.in/eyW6pvgf #WorkplaceSafety #HealthAndSafety #ComplianceMatters #SafetyMatters #SafetyStatements

A clear summary from DLA Piper on what is the five focus areas of the H&S reform consultation: Focus area one – Businesses are best placed to understand and manage their risks Focus area two – Balance of flexibility and certainty Focus area three - Worker engagement and participation Focus area four: Effective regulators Focus area five: The objective of the work health and safety regulatory system And what is not in scope - "feedback government agency funding, the rate of the Health and Safety at Work Levy, or the effectiveness, efficiency measures and targets for WorkSafe's frontline activities."

The latest changes made by the Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 and the Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation 2024 commenced on 29 July 2024. The changes clarify and enhance the work health and safety legislative framework and follow earlier changes that commenced on 28 March and 20 May 2024.   The changes that have come into effect will: ·      clarify the powers and functions of health and safety representatives (HSRs); ·      enable HSRs to choose their training provider and ensure they are paid their usual pay when attending their training; ·      clarify and streamline issue and dispute resolution processes; ·      clarify the establishment of a health and safety committee (HSC) and an inspector’s role if the constitution of a HSC cannot be agreed; ·      extend the definition of “discriminatory conduct” to include treating a worker less favourably than other workers; ·      change the jurisdiction from the Magistrates Court to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (the Commission) for certain work health and safety disputes; ·      give standing to certain entities, such as relevant unions, to apply for an order for a contravention of a work health and safety civil penalty provision; and ·      change the types of decisions that may be reviewed and clarify the costs that can be ordered by the Commission in reviewing decisions. Key changes to the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 also: ·      change the timing for HSR training to now require the initial 5-day training course to be completed with 28 days of election, and refresher training to be completed every 12 months; ·      prescribe resources, facilities and assistance necessary for HSRs to perform their roles; ·      clarify what is ‘readily accessible’ for the purpose of negotiations for work group determinations; and ·      reintroduce audiometric testing from 29 July 2025. Visit https://lnkd.in/gMSJ5YTa to find out more. 💼🛠️ #WSHOLAAct2024 #LegislationUpdates #StayInformed

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden has provided an interesting update on her national 'roadshows' with businesses & workers, to inform future policy changes in the health and safety space. Watching this with interest, with a number of regulatory frameworks under HSWA currently under the microscope for review. It'll be fascinating to see whether the Govt and WorkSafe can adequately walk the line between elevating health and safety practices and making compliance more straightforward. https://lnkd.in/g9KzpcR4

If your business is inspected by the Health and Safety Authority, passing the inspection is no accident! Join us in Limerick at 9am on Tuesday 22nd October for Peninsula Ireland’s masterclass on HR, Health & Safety, Compliance and Growth! Our experts will advise you on how to save time, avoid costly fines and add value to your business. We'll cover: •           Recent and upcoming legislation •           All essential employer responsibilities and how to stay compliant •           WRC and HSA inspections and how to prepare •           Potential consequences and penalties Network and connect with local business owners over breakfast and arrange a complimentary One-to-One Business Review of your existing documentation - helping you identify vulnerabilities and strengthen your business for the future.   Click on the following link to find out more and register - places are in high demand, so claim your spot today! https://lnkd.in/eQ3nSzFv   #Humanresources #HealthandSafety #Compliance #Growth #networking #limerick #Peninsula #coffee&croissants #buildingbetterbusiness

🔍 Health and Safety Committees 🔍 Did you know that employers with 5 or more workers at a work site are required to establish a joint work site health and safety committee or, in some cases, a health and safety representative? At Bow Valley Safety, we support employers who may lack the internal resources to interpret requirements and set up their health and safety committee. We also help those looking to bring in an independent company to support H&S culture change and reinforce the importance of compliance. Our initial stage in HSC development is a short meeting to better understand your requirements and address any questions you may have about HSCs and the relevant legislation. Let us help you create a safer workplace! #safety #safetyandhealth #bowvalleylocals #BVSCanada #WorkplaceSafety #SafetyMatters #BowValleySafety #HealthAndSafety #SafetyCommittees #Compliance #SafetyCulture #CanadaSafety #HSCDevelopment

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (#OSHA) was established in response to the alarmingly high rates of #workplaceinjuries, #illnesses, and #fatalities. Prior to OSHA's creation, #workplacesafetystandards varied widely across the country, and many workers faced #hazardousconditions without adequate protection. Here's a breakdown of the events that led to OSHA's formation: 🛑 Rising Injury and Death Rates: The number of workplace accidents and fatalities was increasing, causing significant human and economic costs.  🛑 Lack of Uniform Safety Standards: Safety regulations were inconsistent across states and industries, leading to disparities in worker protection.  🛑 Public Outcry: Growing public concern over workplace safety prompted calls for federal intervention to protect workers' rights. In response to these factors, Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, which established OSHA. This act gave the federal government the authority to set and enforce safety and health standards for most of the country's workers. OSHA's creation marked a significant step forward in protecting worker safety and health. By setting regulations, conducting inspections, and providing education and training, OSHA has helped to reduce workplace injuries and deaths significantly since its inception. AP Safety Training is proud to offer a robust catalog of training content to help you stay in compliance with OSHA regulations ✅: https://lnkd.in/gZGVNrGc 🙋🏽♂️ How about a COMPLIMENTARY Microlearning on us? Find the link in comments below. Film credit: C-SPAN https://lnkd.in/g8U5Aj-Y #throwbackthursday