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News release

18 October 2011 - NR 54/11

Programme to improve health and safety across Ireland's businesses

Businesses could gain a competitive advantage over their rivals by getting the best health and safety advice– says Ireland’s largest body for work-related health and safety.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Ireland Branch is urging companies to take health and safety seriously, because of the money it can save by reducing accidents at work and subsequent absences. The call came yesterday (17 October) in Cork, during the launch of ‘Get the best’ – a programme from the Institution that shows businesses what they need to look for in a health and safety professional.

IOSH Ireland Branch’s ‘Get the best’ programme was launched by IOSH president Steve Granger, who visited Cork for the event. It was launched in conjunction with the University College Cork, at its Centre for Adult Continuing Education.

Mr Granger said: “Health and safety is the cornerstone of an efficient business. It could be a lifeline for companies on the brink, because good advice can make cost-savings through the efficiencies it produces and the reduced lost-time it accrues, as there are fewer injuries and cases of ill-health. After all, staff cuts can increase the risk of accidents and stress-related illnesses because of the extra work that has to be done by those who remain.

“We want business leaders across Ireland to understand that they won’t just feel the moral benefits of keeping staff healthy, happy and free from injury. They will also feel the huge financial bonuses that come with employing someone who really knows what they’re talking about with health and safety - and that’s what ‘Get the best’ is about.”

‘Get the best’ is a programme that gives managers and human resources workers toolkits showing how they can make sure health and safety is right in their workplace. It also talks about the interactive courses employees and managers can attend to brush up on their skills, as well as what to look for in someone they want to employ for outside advice.

IOSH Ireland Branch chair Declan Gibney said: “Health and safety isn’t about stuffy rules that limit people’s enjoyment. Nor is it simply about checklists or regulations. In its most fundamental parts it’s about making sure people get home at the end of each working day.

“Whether managing a small team or an entire company, health and safety is equally as important, not just for its moral, but its legal obligations. Even training staff properly relies on having the best advice, and that’s where we want to be able to help Irish businesses out with the right professionals, courses and online tools.”

IOSH’s ‘Get the best’ includes easy-to-understand web tools on how to build health and safety into a business start-up.

During his visit to Cork, the IOSH president also visited the Glucksman Gallery at the invitation of the Ireland Branch Southern District.

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Notes for editors:

IOSH is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals. With more than 40,000 members in 85 countries, we’re the world’s biggest professional health and safety organisation.

We set standards, and support, develop and connect our members with resources, guidance, events and training. We’re the voice of the profession, and campaign on issues that affect millions of working people.

IOSH was founded in 1945 and is a registered charity with international NGO status.