Sector: Ireland

There were 44 fatal workplace accidents in Ireland in 2016, down from 56 in 2015, according to figures released today by the country’s Health and Safety Authority (HSA). Liam Howe, Chair of the IOSH Ireland Branch, welcomed the reduction, citing the combined efforts of the HSA and employers and workers at all levels of organisations, supported by the safety professionals of his and other IOSH branches and districts in Ireland.

More than 120 people gathered at Mountbellew Agricultural College, Co Galway, to hear advice from industry leaders and watch live demonstrations of best practice around a variety of common agricultural tasks.Hints and tips on the correct use of chainsaws and tractors, as well as livestock management, farm building maintenance and slurry safety, were all offered up by experts from the college, Teagasc, Coillte, Height for Hire and IOSH.

The Northern Ireland Branch of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) wants its milestone year to help businesses take steps to prevent people being killed, injured or suffering ill health as a result of their work.Twenty-three workers died in Northern Ireland in 2014/15, including nine people who were employed in the agriculture and five in construction.

The Ireland East Branch is the Institution’s 37th branch across the world and replaces the IOSH Ireland Branch’s Eastern District.Around 700 IOSH members based in counties including Louth, Meath, Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow are now part of the new branch.The launch event is being held in the Health and Safety Authority Offices in James Joyce Street, Dublin, between 5pm and 8pm on Wednesday 27 January.