Council and HSENI join forces on workplace health drive

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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) have joined forces to promote the importance of tackling major causes of work-related ill health including occupational diseases such as cancers, chronic lung conditions, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and work-related mental wellbeing. Council Chairperson Philip Campbell (second right) is with (from left) HSENI Chief Executive Robert Kidd, Sinead Murphy (Director of Sustainability and Environment NMDDC) and HSENI Deputy Chief Executive Nikki Monson.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is working alongside the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland to promote the importance of tackling major causes of work-related ill health.

The initiative, aimed at protecting workers' health and wellbeing, is part of HSENI's year-long Workplace Health Campaign addressing occupational diseases such as cancers, chronic lung conditions, musculoskeletal disorders and work-related mental wellbeing. It urges everyone to become aware of occupational diseases that can arise out of workplace activities if hazards are not properly controlled.

The initiative challenges all involved to find out if they have the information they need to remove the risk or reduce workplace health risks to an acceptable level. In 2023/24, an estimated 640,000 days were lost due to work-related illnesses.

During a visit to the Downshire Civic Centre on 22 January, hosted by Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, the HSENI revealed that work-related ill health is estimated as having a societal cost to Northern Ireland of over £390 million each year, with average figures indicating that there could be over 300 deaths per year and thousands more suffering health problems due to work-related illnesses.

Cllr Campbell welcomed the opportunity to support the campaign, highlighting that safeguarding workplace health remains a key regulatory responsibility for all employers across the council area. "Our support for this campaign reinforces that workplace health is not solely about meeting compliance standards — it is fundamentally about valuing people," he said.

He added that a healthy workforce is essential for productivity, stronger community engagement and a thriving local economy. "Through this joint effort to promote the campaign across the district, we aim to foster safer, healthier working environments and reduce the risk of occupational illness."

Robert Kidd, Chief Executive of HSENI, said the council's support with the campaign would enable wider engagement with employers, help get the vital messages out and promote healthier and safer workplaces. "These figures tell a stark story about the impact work-related ill-health is having on our society, our workforce and our health service. We need to take urgent action now to ensure every workplace is one where the health risks are properly managed," he said.

"No one should lose their life or develop ill health simply because of the job they do. Yet, it is estimated that over 300 people die each year due to work-related disease and thousands more left living with serious and debilitating health conditions, with an estimated cost of over £390 million per year to society. But these aren't just statistics, they represent real people and real loss."

Mr Kidd said HSENI was delighted the council has joined with the organisation to help address the problem by supporting its Workplace Health Campaign, promoting its key messages and encouraging employers to take practical steps to protect workers' health. "Everyone deserves to return home with their health protected as well as their safety. By working collaboratively with the council we can reach more employers, share practical guidance and support healthier, more productive workplaces," he added.