Website Focuses On Workplace Safety

The NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has launched a new website, to help small businesses manage their workplace health and safety - and especially those in the construction sector.

The Health and Safety Works NI (HSWNI) website,

www.healthandsafetyworksni.gov.uk will give small businesses 24 hour access to the information that will guide them through health and safety management in a logical, step-by-step manner enabling them take positive steps towards complying with their legal duties, protecting their workers and improving profitability.

The Minister, pictured here with Keith Murphy, McCrory Engineering, Diane Moffat, Moffat and Robinson Construction, William Moffat, Moffat and Robinson Construction, Dermot Breen, Deputy Chief Executive, HSENI, David Lowe, HSWNI and Edna Mc Crory, McCrory Engineering, said that the site includes a section on getting started with health and safety.

This contains practical advice and guidance together with many useful health and safety templates and checklists developed specifically for small businesses.

The site also carries an extensive range of relevant health and safety publications which are available to download.

"For businesses that feel that they need more help, there is an option within the site for them to request a free and confidential advisory visit with a HSWNI business adviser," she explained.

William Moffat, Director of Omagh-based Building Contractors, Moffat and Robinson, said: "The HSWNI website, with its clear layout and straightforward approach, will be of great benefit to us as we further develop our health and safety systems and procedures."

Dermot Breen, Deputy Chief Executive, HSWNI commented: "Our advisers mentor hundreds of businesses every year, many of whom feel overwhelmed by the amount of health and safety information that is out there.

"When it comes to managing health and safety, they simply don't know where to start. The website aims to address this need directly, answering the common questions and helping small businesses to find the relevant information easily and quickly."

(BMcC/GK)