HSENI launch European Safety Week

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) recently launched this year's European Week for Safety and Health which runs from October 14 to October 20.

With around half a million people in the UK reported to have experienced work-related stress, anxiety or depression to such an extent that it has made them ill, this year will have the theme 'Work-related Stress'.

Commenting on this year's Health & Safety Week, Jim Keyes, Chief Executive of HSENI said: "Managing health and safety well not only means saving lives but also reducing costs, improving profits and enhancing competitiveness. Managing stress at work should be the same as minimising any other risk in the workplace.

"Companies often underestimate the extent to which stress can affect business performance. The key is prevention rather than cure. The European Week is a golden opportunity to raise the profile of health and safety in workplaces across the length and breadth of Northern Ireland. All organisations should play their part and compete for a regional award."

Also speaking at this year's launch were representatives of three previous national Health & Safety winners, the DuPont contractors at Maydown, NTL and Unison.

(MB)