Menu
06/11/2002
Workplace health issues move up agenda
Each year close to 55,000 employees in Northern Ireland suffer from ill health that has been caused or made worse by work.
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) highlighted this staggering statistic as the agency launched a public consultation exercise on the proposed Workplace Health Strategy for Northern Ireland.
The proposed strategy has been prepared by the Occupational Health Forum for Northern Ireland and sets out proposals for tackling the problem of work-related ill health in a concerted and coordinated way. The proposed strategy compliments the new public health strategy for Northern Ireland, Investing for Health, which was launched earlier this year and which firmly recognises the workplace as a priority setting for tackling health issues and health inequalities.
Explaining the significance of the consultation exercise, Liam McBrinn, Chairperson of HSENI and the Forum, said: “Close to 365,000 working days are lost each year in Northern Ireland as a result of work-related ill health. This is equivalent to 1,000 workers being absent from work each-and-every day of the year and obviously represents a huge cost to our economy and to society in general.
"The consultation paper sets out the Forum’s proposals for addressing this unacceptable situation. It represents the final stage in a lengthy consultation process, which has included a series of regional workshops held in September 2001 and a discussion document issued for comment in April 2002.
"We feel that this paper captures the key elements raised during the earlier consultation. However, we are keen to ensure that the final strategy, when it is published in March 2003, reflects the expectations of all those involved in, or affected by, health issues in the workplace.
Mr McBrinn said that he wanted as many people as possible to read the draft Workplace Health Strategy and make their views and comments know, particularly any successful or innovative initiatives introduced by organisations to improve health in the workplace.
(SP)
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) highlighted this staggering statistic as the agency launched a public consultation exercise on the proposed Workplace Health Strategy for Northern Ireland.
The proposed strategy has been prepared by the Occupational Health Forum for Northern Ireland and sets out proposals for tackling the problem of work-related ill health in a concerted and coordinated way. The proposed strategy compliments the new public health strategy for Northern Ireland, Investing for Health, which was launched earlier this year and which firmly recognises the workplace as a priority setting for tackling health issues and health inequalities.
Explaining the significance of the consultation exercise, Liam McBrinn, Chairperson of HSENI and the Forum, said: “Close to 365,000 working days are lost each year in Northern Ireland as a result of work-related ill health. This is equivalent to 1,000 workers being absent from work each-and-every day of the year and obviously represents a huge cost to our economy and to society in general.
"The consultation paper sets out the Forum’s proposals for addressing this unacceptable situation. It represents the final stage in a lengthy consultation process, which has included a series of regional workshops held in September 2001 and a discussion document issued for comment in April 2002.
"We feel that this paper captures the key elements raised during the earlier consultation. However, we are keen to ensure that the final strategy, when it is published in March 2003, reflects the expectations of all those involved in, or affected by, health issues in the workplace.
Mr McBrinn said that he wanted as many people as possible to read the draft Workplace Health Strategy and make their views and comments know, particularly any successful or innovative initiatives introduced by organisations to improve health in the workplace.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 October 2024
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
26 September 2024
PHA Makes Accessing Contraception Easier On World Contraception Day
In recognition of World Contraception Day, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance of informed choices in sexual and reproductive health. They're reminding residents of Northern Ireland about the various resources available to easily access contraception and learn about different methods.
PHA Makes Accessing Contraception Easier On World Contraception Day
In recognition of World Contraception Day, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance of informed choices in sexual and reproductive health. They're reminding residents of Northern Ireland about the various resources available to easily access contraception and learn about different methods.
11 March 2022
Rainbow Project And HERe NI Awarded Funding
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced funding of more than £260,000 has been awarded to The Rainbow Project and HERe NI, from the Mental Health Support Fund. The fund was established by the Health Minister to enable charities and organisations across Northern Ireland to enhance the vital mental health support and help on offer.
Rainbow Project And HERe NI Awarded Funding
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced funding of more than £260,000 has been awarded to The Rainbow Project and HERe NI, from the Mental Health Support Fund. The fund was established by the Health Minister to enable charities and organisations across Northern Ireland to enhance the vital mental health support and help on offer.
12 May 2023
Access To Dental Care Is At Risk Of Becoming A Luxury – Alliance
Access to dental care is at risk of becoming a luxury for most people in Northern Ireland, Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said. Ms Bradshaw said that a failure to address issues impacting health service dentistry will only add to pressures on the Health Service in future.
Access To Dental Care Is At Risk Of Becoming A Luxury – Alliance
Access to dental care is at risk of becoming a luxury for most people in Northern Ireland, Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said. Ms Bradshaw said that a failure to address issues impacting health service dentistry will only add to pressures on the Health Service in future.
29 September 2021
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
