Local companies gear up to reduce accidents at work

A record-breaking number of Northern Ireland companies are gearing up to take part in this year’s European Week for Safety and Health, which focuses on the prevention of accidents at work.

There were almost 4,000 accidents reported to the enforcing authorities in Northern Ireland last year. However, it is believed that due to under reporting, the actual number of accidents could be as much as double this figure. The estimated cost of all accidents to the Northern Ireland Economy is estimated to be £400 million.

The European Week for Safety and Health will be launched on October 15 at the ‘Success is No Accident’ Conference at Belfast City Hall.

This major Health and Safety Conference will address the important role small firms have to play in Northern Ireland’s economy and the practical challenges that they face. This is the first time Northern Ireland’s principal health and safety bodies, both statutory and voluntary, have worked together to organise such an event to specifically address the unique needs of the Small Business Economy.

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has revealed that 70,000 organisations in the UK took part in last year’s European Week for Safety and Health, with its message reaching over four million people.

Over 8,000 promotional packs have already been distributed in Northern Ireland alone. The packs provide vital information on how organisations and employees can become involved in the week and the practical business benefits for doing so.

Other events being organised by HSENI during the health and safety week will include a conference on safety in the quarrying industry in Cookstown and an Accident Prevention Seminar for the agricultural industry in Draperstown, both on October 17. (MB)