Northern Ireland regulator launches workplace health campaign as occupational illness costs exceed £390m annually

Northern Ireland regulator launches workplace health campaign as occupational illness costs exceed £390m annually

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland has launched a television and multimedia advertising initiative promoting awareness of workplace health risks, following analysis estimating that past workplace exposures could result in over 300 deaths annually across the region.

Business Eye reported that the campaign, which launched in its latest phase on 9th February, addresses three priority occupational health risks: occupational lung diseases, occupational cancers and musculoskeletal disorders. Analysis estimates a societal cost to Northern Ireland running into hundreds of millions of pounds per year.

Dr Caoimhe Archibald, economy minister, said: "Work should never come at the expense of health or life. Yet each year, many people continue to develop serious, life-changing conditions because workplace risks are not always identified or managed effectively."

She added that more than 300 people are estimated to die annually from work-related illnesses, with thousands more experiencing health problems linked to their jobs and an annual cost exceeding £390 million (€456 million) to society.

HSENI statistics reveal that 110 deaths were estimated from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to work in 2023, whilst 6,400 people were estimated to have suffered from work-related COPD. Around 200 deaths per year could be attributable to occupational cancers, including 47 mesothelioma deaths and 47 estimated asbestos-related lung cancer deaths.

Work-related illnesses in 2023-24 affected approximately 18,000 people with musculoskeletal disorders, 15,000 with stress, depression or anxiety, and 4,000 with conditions including skin disorders and hearing loss. An estimated 640,000 working days were lost due to work-related illnesses.

Robert Kidd, chief executive of HSENI, said: "Everyone has the legal right to return home with their health protected, not just their safety."

Access the complete story to see the workplace health statistics and employer guidance through the HSENI campaign platform.