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Northern Ireland Launches 'Safe and Healthy Work' Campaign

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. and-launches-safe-and-healthy-work-campaign.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 22:45 GMT by The Irish News
      Locale: Northern Ireland, UNITED KINGDOM

Belfast, Northern Ireland - February 20, 2026 - A new, multi-faceted campaign, 'Safe and Healthy Work,' has been launched today in Northern Ireland, aiming to drastically reduce the tragic number of deaths and debilitating illnesses stemming from work-related incidents. The initiative, spearheaded by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) in collaboration with trade unions, employer representatives, and crucially, families directly impacted by workplace tragedies, represents a significant commitment to improving worker safety across all sectors.

For years, Northern Ireland has seen a consistent, albeit unacceptable, level of preventable harm in the workplace. While precise figures fluctuate, data consistently points to hazardous substances, long-term asbestos exposure, and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders as the leading causes of work-related deaths and ill-health. These aren't simply statistics; they represent lost lives, shattered families, and immense personal suffering. The 'Safe and Healthy Work' campaign seeks to shift the narrative from reactive investigations after incidents to proactive prevention.

Dr. Michael Guy, Chief Executive of HSENI, emphasized the urgency of the situation during the launch event. "The human cost of workplace incidents is far too high. Too many families across Northern Ireland have been devastated by events that were, tragically, preventable. This campaign isn't about placing blame; it's about fostering a collective responsibility for ensuring everyone returns home safe and healthy at the end of each working day." He added, "We are encouraging every business in Northern Ireland, regardless of size or sector, to make a firm commitment to a safer and healthier working environment for all. While many are already prioritizing safety, we want to empower everyone with the knowledge and tools to elevate their standards and prevent harm."

The campaign isn't simply a public awareness push. It's a comprehensive program built around three core pillars: raising awareness of key risks, supporting businesses in strengthening their safety management systems, and providing practical, accessible guidance on preventing work-related incidents. HSENI has developed a suite of resources, available online and through direct engagement with businesses, detailing how to identify potential hazards, conduct thorough risk assessments, and implement effective control measures. This includes updated guidelines on managing exposure to hazardous substances - a particularly concerning area in Northern Ireland's manufacturing and construction sectors - and best practices for preventing musculoskeletal disorders, which are often linked to repetitive tasks and poor ergonomic design.

Specifically, the campaign is focusing on increasing understanding of asbestos-related diseases. Decades after asbestos was widely used in construction, cases of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses continue to emerge, highlighting the long-term dangers of past exposure. HSENI is urging businesses undertaking refurbishment or demolition work to ensure they have robust procedures in place to identify, safely manage, or remove asbestos-containing materials. Expert training programs are being offered to ensure workers are equipped to handle these potentially deadly materials.

Trade union representatives have hailed the campaign as a "vital step forward" in establishing a genuine safety culture in Northern Irish workplaces. Liam Doherty, spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Committee of Trade Unions, stated, "For too long, safety has been seen as a compliance issue rather than a core value. This campaign, with its emphasis on collaboration and worker involvement, is a welcome move towards ensuring that safety is embedded in every aspect of work."

The most poignant voices at the campaign launch came from families who have lost loved ones due to work-related incidents. Sarah McKinley, who lost her husband in a construction accident five years ago, shared her heartbreaking story and implored businesses to prioritize safety above all else. "No amount of money can bring back a loved one. I hope this campaign will prevent other families from experiencing the pain and loss that my family has endured. It's not just about following regulations; it's about valuing human life."

The 'Safe and Healthy Work' campaign will run throughout 2026, with ongoing monitoring and evaluation to assess its impact. HSENI plans to publish regular progress reports and will continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure the campaign remains relevant and effective. The initiative aims not just to reduce the number of incidents, but to fundamentally change the way businesses and workers approach safety, creating a workplace where everyone can thrive without fear of harm.