IRELAND: High-risk sectors and support for SMEs are the priorities of the national OH&S organization

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The work programme of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) for 2014 describes in detail the priorities of its action in the area of occupational risk prevention and workplace inspection. 

Priority No. 1: Tackle accident and injury occurrence in the agriculture and construction sectors
The HSA will focus part of its resources on the agriculture sector, which remains one of the most accident-prone despite a 25% fall in the number of fatal occupational injuries in 2013. The construction sector will also be targeted. This sector posted the highest rate of fatal injuries after agriculture, and an increase in the number of injuries for the third consecutive year.

Priority No. 2: Improve occupational risk prevention in SMEs
The 200,000 SMEs, which employ 750,000 people, concentrate 95% of the country’s economic activity. Developing an effective OH&S policy in these structures is therefore essential. That is why the HSA has decided to conduct an awareness raising campaign in 800 SMEs. 

Workplace inspections
The HSA has also scheduled more than 10,000 inspections, including:

• 2,900 in agriculture;
• 2,500 in construction;
• 1,200 in the chemicals industry;
• 700 in manufacturing industry.