Workplace Health

Introduction

Every workplace has health risks and under health and safety law, there are things you must do to make sure that your health and the health of your workers’ is not adversely affected.

Every year in Northern Ireland it is estimated that over 300 people die following exposure to substances as a result of a previous work activity and thousands more are left living with serious and debilitating health conditions.

Average work-related illness deaths per year in Northern Ireland

Occupational cancer

Mesothelioma (Asbestos) - 47
Lung cancer (Asbestos) - 47
Lung cancer (Silica) - 20
Lung cancer (Other) - 30
Lung / bladder cancer (Diesel exhaust) - 15
Lung / bladder cancer (Mineral oils) - 15

Occupational lung disease

Asbestosis (Asbestos) - 5
COPD (Dust gases, vapours, fumes) - 110

Poor management of health risks in the workplace ruins and costs lives. Workplace ill health is preventive. No one should develop ill health simply as a result of the job they do.

Managing the risk to health in every profession is essential. Some of the most significant occupational health risks arise from exposure to harmful substances such as asbestos, silica, flour and other dusts, along with chemicals, gases and fumes that are present in many of our workplaces.

Whilst occupational cancers and respiratory diseases are all too common, there are several other conditions that can seriously affect our quality of life, include musculoskeletal disorders (MSD’s) and mental ill-health.

MSD’s are a major cause of ill-health with an estimated 18,000 employees in Northern Ireland suffering from conditions that affect various parts of the body including the lower back, shoulders, neck, wrists and hands.

Mental ill-health, including work-related stress, can affect every one of us. Latest figures suggest that 15,000 employees in Northern Ireland suffer from stress, anxiety or depression, caused or made worse by work.

But work-related ill health comes with a price and is estimated to cost the Northern Ireland society over £391 million per year.

Estimated cost to Northern Ireland of work-related injuries and ill health, 2022-23

Fatal injuries - 5.3%

Non-fatal injuries - 30.2%

Ill health - 64.5%

Furthermore, the number of lost days to the Northern Ireland economy is estimated to be 640,000 during the same period.

HSENI is committed to raising awareness and providing simple, practical advice regarding work related health matters. HSENI’s Corporate Plan for 2023-2028 has identified three key occupational health priorities, namely:

Not all work-related illnesses are fatal, however they can lead to debilitation conditions that inhibit people from leading normal lives. Not only can they prevent people from working, but also affect their personal lives. These conditions include exposure to chemicals, noise, vibration and dermatitis.