NI companies recognised for health and safety work

Two Northern Irish companies were in Cardiff last week to pick up national awards for their efforts as part of the European Week of Safety and Health 2002.

The initiative was designed to highlight problems associated with stress in the workplace. At the awards ceremony, Derry City Council and the John Henderson Group joined 24 other organisations to receive a prestigious national Euro Week Award.

Liam McBrinn, HSENI’s Chairperson said: “The winning companies should be commended for their work in promoting healthier workplaces. We should all face up to the challenge of creating a work culture that protects, promotes and supports health and well being."

He added: "It is essential that we all wake up to the impact poor workplace health can have on all our lives and its cost to the Northern Ireland economy as a whole."

The issue has become particularly pronounced in recent years and in Northern Ireland over 15,500 people each year experience work-related stress, anxiety or depression that impacts directly on their health. It is estimated that stress-related absences from work cost the local economy £330 million a year.

The European Week for Safety and Health is part of a wider European initiative organised by the European Agency for Safety and Health in Bilbao and support has grown dramatically since it started in 1996.

The awards were presented by Paralympic athlete Tanni Grey-Thompson OBE, and Bill Callaghan, Chair of the Health and Safety Commission.

(GMcG)