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NEWS RELEASE 1 APRIL 2023

Success for Galway and Cork teams at the 48th All Ireland Safety Quiz Final

At the All Ireland Safety Quiz Finals held in Sligo Co. Offaly on Saturday, 1 April 2023, GE Energy Tynagh, Co. Galway and BioMarin International Ltd., Co. Cork were the overall winners in the Previous Entrants and Novice Categories respectively.

The All Ireland Occupational Safety Quiz Finals is run jointly by the National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO) and the Northern Ireland Safety Group (NISG). A total of eight teams competed from all parts of the island of Ireland.

There was a great turnout at the event held at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo, with great support for the participating teams from their co-workers.

In the Previous Entrants category final, GE Energy Tynagh emerged as the overall winners with an impressive 121 points [out of a maximum of 128 marks] ahead of runners-up, BioMarin International Ltd, who finished in second place with 113 points. In third place, with a total of 104 points, was Abbott Nutrition Cootehill. The other teams in this category also performed strongly.

The results in the Novice Category finals were very close with the two top scoring teams battling it out for first place in two tie-break rounds. Abbott Nutrition Cootehill and BioMarin International Limited, Cork, both finished with 83 points each [out of a maximum of 96 points]. The first tie-break question resulted in a draw. BioMarin International Ltd. won the tie-break round to claim the title of All Ireland Safety Quiz Champions in the Novice Category

Harry Galvin, President, National Irish Safety Organisation and Wendy Beatty, Chair, Northern Ireland Safety Group, presented the awards and trophies at a special prize-giving dinner that evening and congratulated all participating teams.

Mr Galvin commended all the quiz teams, noting that each and every participant should be proud of their efforts to improve occupational health and safety. Mr Galvin also thanked the participating organisations’ managers for the support and encouragement shown to their teams.

Ms Beatty congratulated the participants and commended all the work put in by the teams for the All Ireland Safety Quiz finals.

The Regional Heats for the 49^th All Ireland Safety Quiz 2024 will commence nationwide in spring 2024.

 

Previous Entrants Category Winners

 1^st Place: GE Energy Tynagh (representing the Western Region*)

2^nd Place: BioMarin International Limited (representing the Southern Region*)

3^rd Place: Abbott Nutrition Cootehill (representing the North Eastern Region*)

 

Novice Category Winners

1st Place: BioMarin International Limited (representing the Southern Region*)

2nd Place:  Abbott Nutrition Cootehill (representing the North Eastern Region*)

3rd Place: Re-Gen Group (representing Northern Ireland*) Novices Category

 

Other Finalists [in alphabetical order]:

Hyster-Yale (representing Northern Ireland*) Previous Entrants Category

Rosderra Irish Meats (representing the Midland Region*) Previous Entrants Category

 

* East (Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow); Midlands (Laois, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath); Mid West (Limerick, Clare, Tipperary North); North East (Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan); North West (Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo); South (Cork, Kerry); South East (Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary South, Waterford, Wexford); West (Galway, Mayo, Roscommon).

ENDS

 

NEWS RELEASE 11 NOVEMBER 2022

Designer Group Wins All Ireland Supreme Safety Awards 2022

The 31st National Irish Safety Organisation / Northern Ireland Safety Group (NISO/NISG) Annual Safety Awards took place on 11 November 2022 at a special ceremony in Galway at which the Supreme Safety Award winner for 2022, sponsored by Irving Oil Whitegate Refinery, was announced as Designer Group for the second year in a row.

The Supreme Safety Award is presented to the organisation that has shown consistently good or continuously improving health and safety performance over a number of years and an outstanding contribution to occupational safety, health and welfare during the previous year. The Awards are highly valued and regarded among health and safety professionals throughout the island of Ireland.

Other awards presented on the night include the Safety Representative of the Year Award 2022 in association with The Cpl Institute. The joint winners of the Safety Representative of the Year Award for 2022 were Kevin Corcoran, Kiernan Structural Steel and Aoife O’Leary, Baxter Healthcare Irish Manufacturing Operation. The Runner Up prize was awarded to Ejovi Atano, Energia Huntstown Bioenergy.

The Healthy Workplace Award, sponsored by Healthy Ireland, was won by Glenveagh Properties PLC. The Healthy Workplace Award recognises the commitment of workplaces who promote health and wellbeing as a core element of the Health and Safety agenda.

The Occupational Health Award, supported by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), was won by Bon Secours Hospital Dublin.

The Driving for Work Award was won by Acacia Facilities Management Ltd. The Driving for Work Award requires entrants to demonstrate evidence of the following in relation to driving for work: policy, planning, practice, measuring performance and reviewing performance.

The awards, which demonstrate the positive and proactive culture of safety management in organisations, were supported by the Health and Safety Authority, Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland, Healthy Ireland and Irving Oil Whitegate Refinery.

The 58^th Annual NISO Health and Safety Conference, which preceded the safety awards ceremony, was sponsored by Ayrton Group (Gold sponsors); BioThrive Ltd. and SignsInc (Silver Plus Sponsors); Amon Electronics Ltd., Glenveagh Properties PLC, Jones Engineering Group and PM Group (Silver sponsors); DB Schenker and Weltec Engineering Ltd. (Bronze sponsors).

Damien English TD, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, along with Harry Galvin, NISO President and Ashleigh Birkett, Chair, NISG, presented awards to over 100 organisations from all around the island of Ireland. The Gold Award was won by Actavo (Ireland), the Silver Award by Winthrop Technologies Ltd. and the Bronze Award by Jones Engineering Group.

The Excellence in Safety Award, which is presented to organisations that consistently achieved a high standard safety award for more than fifteen years, representing their continuous commitment to health and safety in their organisation, was won by Actavo (Ireland) Ltd., Colas Bitumen Emulsions (West) Ltd. / Colas Contracting and Chemoran and Designer Group.

A number of Exceptional High Achiever awards were presented to organisations that consistently achieved a high standard safety award for more than ten years, representing their continuous commitment to health and safety in their organisation. Recipients of this award include Acacia Facilities Management, BAM Ireland, Cork City Council, Fingal County Council, GMC Utilities Group Ltd., John Paul Construction, John Sisk and Son (Holdings) Ltd., Jones Engineering Group, Leo Lynch, Merit Medical Ireland Ltd., PM Group, TLI Group Ltd., W&H Alexander Ltd. and Weltec Engineering Ltd.

Expressions of interest for the 2023 safety awards can be emailed to awards@niso.ie. Register with NISO / NISG to receive details of the 2023 Awards when available.

The full list of awards winners for 2022 can be found at: safetyawards.ie

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE – 4 NOVEMBER 2021

Designer Group Wins All Ireland Supreme Safety Awards 2021

The 30th National Irish Safety Organisation / Northern Ireland Safety Group (NISO/NISG) Annual Safety Awards took place on 4 November 2021 at a special ceremony in Killarney at which the Supreme Safety Award winner for 2021, sponsored by Irving Oil Whitegate Refinery, was announced as Designer Group.

The Supreme Safety Award is presented to the organisation that has shown consistently good or continuously improving health and safety performance over a number of years and an outstanding contribution to occupational safety, health and welfare during the previous year. The Awards are highly valued and regarded among health and safety professionals throughout the island of Ireland.

Under normal circumstances the All Ireland Safety Awards Gala Dinner is a large event with over 600 people in attendance but this year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a scaled-down ceremony in keeping with the regulations proceeded at 60% of the hotel capacity.

Other awards presented on the night include the Safety Representative of the Year Award 2021 in association with The Cpl Institute. The winner of the Safety Representative of the Year Award for 2021 was John Higgins from Colas Ireland Ltd. and the Runner Up prize was awarded to JP Moloney from Irish Rail.

The Healthy Workplace Award, supported by Healthy Ireland, was won by Cork City Council. The Healthy Workplace Award recognises the commitment of workplaces who promote health and wellbeing as a core element of the Health and Safety agenda.

The Occupational Health Award, supported by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), was won by Bon Secours Hospital Cork.

The Driving for Work Award was won by Actavo (Ireland) Ltd. The Driving for Work Award requires entrants to demonstrate evidence of the following in relation to driving for work: policy, planning, practice, measuring performance and reviewing performance.

The awards, which demonstrate the positive and proactive culture of safety management in organisations, were supported by BioThrive, Health and Safety Authority, Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland, Healthy Ireland and Irving Oil Whitegate Refinery.

The 57^th annual NISO Health and Safety conference, which preceded the safety awards ceremony, was sponsored by Ayrton Group and Intel Ireland Ltd. (Gold sponsors); Glenveagh Properties PLC, Jones Engineering Group and PM Group (Silver sponsors); DB Schenker (Bronze sponsors) and Portwest.

Harry Galvin, NISO President, presented awards to organisations from all around the island of Ireland. The Gold Award was won by Weltec Engineering Ltd., the Silver Award by Jones Engineering Group and the Bronze Award by Bon Secours Hospital Dublin.

Ashleigh Birkett, Chair, NISG, addressing the audience remotely by video, commended the entrants for submitting such high calibre entries again this year. Ashleigh congratulated all those who achieved awards, noting that the Safety Awards are a great way to enhance your organisation and to showcase your commitment to health and safety.

Damien English TD, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, showed his support for the “tremendous work of NISO and NISG towards the promotion of workplace health and safety” in a video message. Minister English also congratulated the award winners and commended everyone for participating. He noted the work that NISO/NISG and its members have done in implementing Public Health policies and procedures to minimise the spread of COVID-19 and noted that these efforts are appreciated by Government and the public in general.

The Excellence in Safety Award, which is presented to organisations that consistently achieved a high standard safety award for mor than fifteen years, representing their continuous commitment to health and safety in their organisation, was won by Actavo (Ireland) Ltd.

A number of Exceptional High Achiever awards were presented to organisations that consistently achieved a high standard safety award for more than ten years, representing their continuous commitment to health and safety in their organisation. Recipients of this award include Acacia Facilities Management Ltd., Colas (Bitumen Emulsions, Contracting and Chemoran) West, Designer Group, Fingal County Council, GMC Utilities Group Ltd., John Paul Construction, John Sisk and Son (Holdings) Ltd., Jones Engineering Group, PM Group, TLI Group Ltd., W & H Alexander Ltd. and Weltec Engineering Ltd.

Expressions of interest for the 2022 safety awards can be emailed to awards@niso.ie. Register with NISO / NISG to receive details of the 2022 Awards when available.

The full list of awards winners for 2021 can be found at: safetyawards.ie

 

NEWS RELEASE

21 January 2021 – PM Group Wins All Ireland Supreme Safety Award 2020

The 29th National Irish Safety Organisation / Northern Ireland Safety Group (NISO/NISG) Annual Occupational Safety Awards took place on 22 January 2021 in a special online ceremony at which the Supreme Safety Award winner for 2020, sponsored by Irving Oil Whitegate Refinery, was announced as PM Group.

As the Supreme Safety Award winner in 2019 also, PM Group has made Safety Award history by becoming the first organisation to win the top prize two years in a row!

The Supreme Safety Award is presented to the organisation that has shown consistently good or continuously improving health and safety performance over a number of years and an outstanding contribution to occupational safety, health and welfare during the previous year. The Awards are highly valued and regarded among health and safety professionals throughout the island of Ireland.

Under normal circumstances the safety awards would have been presented to the award winners in a prizegiving ceremony and gala dinner event in October of 2020. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the event was moved online.

Other awards presented in the online ceremony include the Safety Representative of the Year Award 2020 in association with The CPL Institute. The winner of the Safety Representative of the Year Award for 2020 was Margaret Murphy from PricewaterhouseCoopers, Cork, and the Runner Up prize was jointly awarded to John White and Trevor Johnston from AA Ireland.

The Driving for Work Award was won for the second year in a row by KD Group. The Driving for Work Award is an award requiring entrants to demonstrate evidence of the following in relation to driving for work: policy, planning, practice, measuring performance and reviewing performance.

The Healthy Workplace Award, supported by Healthy Ireland, was won by Alexion Ireland. The Healthy Workplace Award recognises the commitment of workplaces who promote health and wellbeing as a core element of the Health and Safety agenda.

The Occupational Health Award, supported by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), was won jointly by the 2019 award winner Kiernan Structural Steel, and Vision Contracting Ltd.

Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English, T.D., acknowledged the tremendous work carried out by both NISO and NISG in promoting the cause of better workplace health and safety. He noted that the awards acknowledge the “dedicated efforts of the winners to ensure that their places of work provide safety to all present.”

Mr. English also said that the Awards “acknowledge the innovate ways that safety measures can be introduced without disrupting the operation of a business but also enhancing the work experience of employees”.

Dr. Sharon McGuiness, CEO, Health and Safety Authority, said that “Given the challenges everyone has had in work, and indeed out of work, as a result of COVID this past year, today’s event is a really great testament to those who are showing a continued importance of health and safety in the workplace, for businesses and workers alike.”

Harry Galvin, NISO President, announced the award winners from over 100 organisations from all around the island of Ireland. NISG Chair, Ashleigh Birkett, also addressed the award entrants and winners during the event.

Other special guest speakers who contributed to the online event included Robert Kidd, Chief Executive, Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland and Dave Murphy, Chief Executive Officer and David Tomlinson, Group Head of Health and Safety, PM Group [Supreme Award Winner 2019]

The Gold Award was won by Designer Group., the Silver Award by Actavo and the Bronze Award by Weltec Engineering Ltd.

The awards, which demonstrate the positive and proactive culture of safety management in organisations, were supported by the Health and Safety Authority, Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland, Healthy Ireland and Irving Oil Whitegate Refinery.

Excellence in Safety, a new award which acknowledges organisations that achieve a high standard safety award for more than 15 continuous years, was won by Actavo.

A number of Exceptional High Achiever awards were presented to organisations that consistently achieved a high standard safety award for more than ten years, representing their continuous commitment to health and safety in their organisation. Recipients of this award include Colas Bitumen Emulsions (West) Ltd. / Chemoran, Colas Contracting Ltd., Designer Group, Fingal County Council, John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd., Jones Engineering Group, PM Group, TLI Group Ltd.

Expressions of interest for the 2021 safety awards can be emailed to awards@niso.ie. Register with NISO / NISG to receive details of the 2021 Awards when available.

The online awards ceremony and full list of awards winners for 2020 can be found at: safetyawards.ie

11 October 2019 – PM Group Wins All Ireland Supreme Safety Awards 2019

The 28th National Irish Safety Organisation / Northern Ireland Safety Group (NISO/NISG) Annual Safety Awards took place on 11 October 2019 at a special ceremony in Galway at which the Supreme Safety Award winner for 2019, sponsored by Irving Oil Whitegate Refinery, was announced as PM Group.
The Supreme Safety Award is presented to the organisation that has shown consistently good or continuously improving health and safety performance over a number of years and an outstanding contribution to occupational safety, health and welfare during the previous year. The Awards are highly valued and regarded among health and safety professionals throughout the island of Ireland.
Other awards presented on the night include the Safety Representative of the Year Award 2019 in association with The CPL Institute. The winner of the Safety Representative of the Year Award for 2019 was Simon Lawless from Bon Secours Hospital Galway and the Runner Up prize was awarded to Gerry Duffy from Cold Chon (Galway) Ltd.
The inaugural Healthy Workplace Award, supported by Healthy Ireland, was jointly won by AbbVie Ballytivnan and Intel Ireland Ltd. The Healthy Workplace Award recognises the commitment of workplaces who promote health and wellbeing as a core element of the Health and Safety agenda.
Minister of State for Health Promotion at the Department of Health, Catherine Byrne TD, said that Healthy Ireland is delighted to be part of the NISO Awards as workplaces have a key role in improving the health of the nation.
“To support health and wellbeing in the workplace my Department, in partnership with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, are finalising the Healthy Workplace Framework which will
identify effective approaches for health improvement in workplaces, creating a healthier and more productive workforce”.
The Occupational Health Award, supported by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), was won by Kiernan Structural Steel.
The Superior Performance Award was won by Collen Construction. The Superior Performance Award is awarded to the organisation that best demonstrates evidence that they have introduced proactive measures over and above the legal requirement to provide a superior safety working environment for all.
The Driving for Work Award was won by KD Group. The Driving for Work Award is an award requiring entrants to demonstrate evidence of the following in relation to driving for work: policy, planning, practice, measuring performance and reviewing performance.
The awards, which demonstrate the positive and proactive culture of safety management in organisations, were supported by the Health and Safety Authority, Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland, Healthy Ireland and Irving Oil Whitegate Refinery. The 56^th annual NISO Health and Safety conference, which preceded the safety awards ceremony, was sponsored by Ayrton Group and Intel Ireland Ltd. (Gold sponsors); DB Schenker and SignsInc Ltd. (Silver sponsors).
Sharon McGuinness, CEO, Health and Safety Authority, along with Harry Galvin, NISO President and John Thompson, NISG chair, presented awards to over 100 organisations from all around the island of Ireland. The Gold Award was won by W & H Alexander Ltd., the Silver Award by Jones Engineering Group and the Bronze Award by Cold Chon (Galway) Ltd. Chemoran.
A number of Exceptional High Achiever awards were presented to organisations that consistently achieved a high standard safety award for more than ten years, representing their continuous commitment to health and safety in their organisation. Recipients of this award include Actavo (Ireland) Limited, Cold Chon (Galway) Ltd. Chemoran, Designer Group, PM Group, John Sisk and Son (Holdings) Ltd., Jones Engineering Group, Roadbridge Ltd. and Road Maintenance Services.
Expressions of interest for the 2020 safety awards can be emailed to awards@niso.ie. Register with NISO / NISG to receive details of the 2020 Awards when available.
The full list of awards winners for 2019 can be found at: safetyawards.ie/winners/2019-winners/

06 April 2019- Success for Dublin and Cork Teams at the 46th All Ireland Safety Quiz Final

6 April 2019

Success for Dublin and Cork teams at the 46th All Ireland Safety Quiz Final

At the All Ireland Safety Quiz Finals held in Dundalk, Co. Louth on Saturday 6 April 2019, AIB, Dublin, and BioMarin International Limited, Cork, were the overall winners in the Previous Entrants and Novice Categories respectively.

The All Ireland Occupational Safety Quiz Finals, supported by Insurance Ireland, is run jointly by the National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO) and the Northern Ireland Safety Group (NISG). A total of 14 teams competed from all parts of the island of Ireland.

There was a great turnout at the event, held at the Crowne Plaza Dundalk, Dundalk, Co. Louth, with great support for the participating teams from their co-workers.

In the Previous Entrants final, it was AIB, Dublin, with 110 points [out of a maximum of 128 marks] who topped the category, ahead of runners-up, BioMarin, Cork, who finished a close second place with 107 points. Following very close behind in third place, with a total of 106 points, was Rosderra Irish Meats Group, Co. Offaly. The other four teams in this category performed strongly.

The results in the Novice Category finals were very close with the two top scoring teams battling it out for first place in a tie-break round. Abbott Ireland Nutritional Division, Cootehill and BioMarin International Limited, Cork, both finished with 87 points each [out of a maximum of 96 points]. BioMarin won the tie-break to claim the title of All Ireland Safety Quiz Champions in the Novice Category. GE Energy (Ireland) Ltd. followed closely behind with a final score of 85 points. The other four teams in the category also performed well.

Harry Galvin, president, National Irish Safety Organisation and John Thompson, chairperson, Northern Ireland Safety Group, resented the awards and trophies at a special prize-giving dinner that evening and congratulated all participating teams.

Mr Galvin commended all the quiz teams, noting that each and every participant should be proud of their efforts to improve occupational health and safety. Mr Galvin also thanked the participating organisations’ managers for the support and encouragement shown to their teams.

Mr Thompson congratulated the participants and commended all the work put in by the teams for the All Ireland Safety Quiz finals.

Yvonne Mullooly, assistant chief executive, Health and Safety Authority (HSA),  acknowledged the time and commitment each team and participating organisation gave to the quiz and their contribution to creating health and safety awareness in their workplace.

Previous Entrants Category Winners

1st Place: AIB (representing the East Region*)

2nd Place: BioMarin International Ltd. (representing the South Region*)

3rd Place: Rosderra Irish Meats Group (representing the Midland Region*)

Novice Category Winners

1st Place: BioMarin International Ltd. (representing the South Region*)

2nd Place: Abbott Ireland, Nutritional Division, Cootehill (representing the North East Region*)

3rd Place: GE Energy (Ireland) Ltd. (represent the West Region*)

Other Finalists [in alphabetical order]:

Abbott Ireland, Nutritional Division, Cootehill (representing the North East Region*) Previous Entrants Category

Abbvie Ballytivnan (representing the North West Region*) Novice Category

Abbvie Ballytivnan (representing the North West Region*) Previous Entrants Category

AIB (representing the East Region*) Novice Category

Haffey Sports Grounds (representing Northern Ireland*) Novice Category

Hurson Engineering (representing the Mid West Region*) Novice Category

Thermo King, Galway (representing the Western Region*) Previous Entrants Category

Ulster University (representing Northern Ireland*) Previous Entrants Category

^* East (Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow); Midlands (Laois, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath); Mid West (Limerick, Clare, Tipperary North); North East (Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan); North West (Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo); South (Cork, Kerry); South East (Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary South, Waterford, Wexford); West (Galway, Mayo, Roscommon).

ENDS

12 October 2018 – Tipperary Fire and Rescue wins All Ireland Supreme Safety Award 2018

Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service wins All Ireland Supreme Safety Award 2018
The 27th National Irish Safety Organisation / Northern Ireland Safety Group (NISO/NISG) Annual Safety Awards took place on 12 October 2018 at a special ceremony in Killarney at which the Supreme Safety Award winner for 2018, sponsored by Irving Oil Whitegate Refinery, was announced as Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service.
The Supreme Safety Award is presented to the organisation that has shown consistently good or continuously improving health and safety performance over a number of years and an outstanding contribution to occupational safety, health and welfare during the previous year. The Awards are highly valued and regarded among health and safety professionals throughout the island of Ireland.
Other awards presented on the night include the Safety Representative of the Year Award 2018 in association with The CPL Institute. The winner of the Safety Representative of the Year Award for 2018 was Lisa Bourke from Baxter and the Runner Up prize was awarded to Hazel Guinan from Ecolab Limited.
The Superior Performance Award, sponsored by Anderco, was won by Nutricia Infant Nutrition Limited. The Anderco Superior Performance Award is awarded to the organisation that best demonstrates evidence that they have introduced proactive measures over and above the legal requirement to provide a superior safety working environment for all.
The Driving for Work Award, sponsored by ALD Merrion, was won by John Sisk and Son (Holdings) Ltd. The Driving for Work Award is an award requiring entrants to demonstrate evidence of the following in relation to driving for work: policy, planning, practice, measuring performance and reviewing performance.
The Occupational Health Award, supported by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), was won by John Graham Construction Ltd.
The awards, which demonstrate the positive and proactive culture of safety management in organisations, were supported by Anderco, Health and Safety Authority, Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland, Irving Oil Whitegate Refinery and ALD Merrion. The 55^th annual NISO health and safey conference, which preceded the safety awards ceremony, was sponsored by Anderco, Intel Ireland (Gold Plus sponsors); Ayrton Group (Silver Plus sponsor) and DB Schenker (Bronze sponsor).
Pat Breen T.D., Minister of State for Trade, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection along with Harry Galvin, NISO President and John Thompson, NISG chair, presented awards to over 100 organisations from all around the island of Ireland. The Gold Award was won by Cold Chon (Galway) Ltd. (Chemoran), the Silver Award by John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd. and the Bronze Award by Actavo (Ireland) Ltd.
A number of Exceptional High Achiever awards were presented to organisations that consistently achieved a high standard safety award for more than ten years, representing their continuous commitment to health and safety in their organisation. Recipients of this award include Actavo (Ireland) Limited, Cold Chon Galway Ltd. (CHEMORAN), Designer Group, PM Group, Jones Engineering Group and Roadbridge Ltd.
Consistent High Achiever awards were presented to organisations that consistently achieved a high standard safety award for more than five years, representing their continuous commitment to health and safety in their organisation. Recipients of this awards includes AbbVie Ireland NL B.V., Acacia Facilities Management Ltd., Aura Sport and Leisure Management Ltd., BAM Ireland, Bon Secours Hospital Dublin, Cork City Council, Fingal County Council, Glan Agua Ltd., GMC Utilities Group Ltd., Hertel (Ireland) Ltd., Honeywell Aerospace Ireland Limited, John Paul Construction, John Sisk and Son (Holdings) Ltd., Kirby Group Engineering, Leo Lynch Group, Mainline Group Ltd., MEIC Ltd., Merit Medical Ireland Ltd., Musgrave Wholesale Partners, O’Connor Sutton Cronin, Obelisk, P & D Lydon, Road Maintenance Services Ltd., Sky Handling Partner Ltd., Tipperary Fire & Rescue Service, TLI Group, W & H Alexander Limited, Walls Construction Limited, Wexford County Fire Service, Winthrop Engineering Ltd.
Expressions of interest for the 2018 safety awards can be emailed to awards@niso.ie. Register with NISO / NISG to receive details of the 2018 Awards when available.
The full list of awards winners for 2018 can be found at: safetyawards.ie/2018-winners/

22 April 2017 – Success for Cork teams at the 44th All Ireland Safety Quiz

Success for Cork teams at the 44^th All Ireland Safety Quiz
At the All Ireland Safety Quiz Finals held in Sligo on Saturday 22 April 2017, BioMarin International Ltd., Cork, were the overall winners in both the Previous Entrants and Novice Categories.
The All Ireland Occupational Safety Quiz Finals are run jointly by the National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO) and the Northern Ireland Safety Group (NISG). A total of 13 teams competed from all parts of the island of Ireland.
There was a great turnout at the event, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sligo, with great support for the participating teams from their coworkers.
In the Previous Entrants final, it was BioMarin International Ltd. with 105 points [out of a maximum of 128 marks] who topped the category, ahead of runners-up, Abbott Ireland Diagnostics Division, Sligo, who finished a close second with 103 points. The other five teams in this category also performed strongly.
The results in the Novice Category finals were very close with BioMarin International Ltd. emerging as this years’ victors with a total of 80 points. In second place, with a score of 77 points each, Allied Irish Bank (AIB) and Abbott Ireland Diagnostics Division, Sligo, went head to head in a tiebreaker round. Allied Irish Bank (AIB) won the round after one question. The other three teams in this category followed closely behind.
Keith Morrison, chief executive, Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI), presented the prizes at a special prize-giving dinner that evening and congratulated all participating teams. Mr. Morrison thanked all of the teams who attended the finals and also thanked the teams who competed at regional level stating that participation in the quiz showed a true commitment to promoting health and safety. He also stated that at its core, the quiz is about learning and bringing that learning back to organisations, which helps to stop fatalities in the workplace.
Harry Galvin, president, National Irish Safety Organisation, thanked all of the teams who participated in this years’ quiz, stating that the quiz is way to learn about occupational health and safety in a fun and sociable way. Mr. Galvin also noted BioMarin International Ltd’s achievement in having winning teams in both categories of the quiz.
Northern Ireland Safety Group Chairperson Mandy Nelson congratulated the participants and commended all the work put in by the teams for the All Ireland Safety Quiz finals.
Previous Entrants Category Winners
1st Place: BioMarin International Ltd (representing the South Region*)
2nd Place: Abbott Ireland Diagnostics Division Sligo (representing the North West Region*)
3rd Place: Abbott Ireland Nutritional Division Longford (representing the North East Region*) and Alkermes Pharma Ireland Limited (representing the Midland Region*)
Novice Category Winners
1st Place: BioMarin International Ltd (representing the South Region*)
2nd Place: Allied Irish Bank (AIB) (representing the East Region*)
3rd Place: Abbott Ireland Diagnostics Division Sligo (representing the North West Region*)
Other participating teams were [in alphabetical order]:
Abbott Ireland Nutritional Division (representing the North East Category*)   Novice Category
Applied Material Ireland (representing the East Region*)
Previous Entrant Category
Ingersoll-Rand International Limited (Representing the West Region*)
Previous Entrant Category
Kirby Group Engineering (representing the Mid West Region*)
Previous Entrant Category
JJ Rhatigan & Company (representing West region*)
Novice Category
Rosderra Irish Meats (representing the Midland Region*)
Novice Category
^* East (Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow); Midlands (Laois, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath); Mid West (Limerick, Clare, Tipperary North); North East (Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan); North West (Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo); South (Cork, Kerry); South East (Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary South, Waterford, Wexford); West (Galway, Mayo, Roscommon)
ENDS

07 October 2016 – John Paul Construction win All Ireland Supreme Safety Award

John Paul Construction wins All Ireland Supreme Safety Award 2016
The 25th Annual National Irish Safety Organisation / Northern Ireland Safety Group (NISO/NISG) Safety Awards took place on 7 October 2016 at a special ceremony in Killarney at which the Supreme Safety Award winner for 2016, sponsored by Irving Oil Whitegate Refinery, was announced as John Paul Construction.
The Supreme Safety Award is presented to the organisation which has shown consistently good or continuously improving health and safety performance over a number of years and an outstanding contribution to occupational safety, health and welfare during the previous year. The Awards are highly valued and regarded among health and safety professionals throughout the island of Ireland.
Other awards presented on the night include the Safety Representative of the Year Award 2016, in association with The CPL Institute, which was awarded to David Byrne, Henkel Ireland Operations and Research Limited.
The Superior Performance Award, sponsored by Anderco, was won by Lagan Construction Group. The Anderco Superior Performance Award is awarded to the organisation that best demonstrates evidence that they have introduced proactive measures over and above the legal requirement to provide a superior safety working environment for all.
The inaugural Driving for Work Award, sponsored by Merrion Fleet Management Ltd., was won by Mainline Group. The Driving for Work Award is a newly introduced award requiring entrants to demonstrate evidence of the following in relation to driving for work: policy, planning, practice, measuring performance and reviewing performance.
The Occupational Health Award, supported by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), was jointly won by John Paul Construction and John Graham Construction.
The awards, which demonstrate the positive and proactive culture of safety management in organisations, were sponsored by Anderco, Construction Industry Federation, Health and Safety Authority, Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland, Irving Oil Whitegate Refinery and Merrion Fleet Management Ltd. The 53^rdannual NISO health and safey conference, which preceded the safety awards ceremony, was sponsored by Abbott Ireland, Anderco, Bollé Safety, Bord Gáis Energy, ESS Groundforce/Safeforce, Gas Networks Ireland, Intel Ireland Ltd., Kilcawley Construction and Jones Engineering Group.
Fergal McKevitt, NISO Secretary, along with Mandy Nelson, NISG chair, and Pat Breen T.D., Minister for Employment and Small Business, presented awards to over 100 organisations from all around the island of Ireland. The Gold Award was won by Leo Lynch, the Silver Award by Jones Engineering Group and the Bronze Award by Winthrop Engineering Ltd.
A number of high achiever awards were presented to organisations that consistently achieved a high standard safety award between for more than five years, representing their continuous commitment to health and safety in their organisation. Recipients of this award include Acacia Facilities Management Ltd., Actavo Network & In-Home Division, Alkermes Pharma Ireland Ltd., Allergan Pharmaceuticals, Bon Secours Hospital Galway, Cold Chon Galway Ltd. (Chemoran), Designer Group Engineering Contractors, Fingal County Council, GMC Utilities Group Ltd., John Graham Construction Ltd., John Paul Construction, John Sisk + Son (Holdings) Ltd., Jones Engineering Group, K Leisure, Kilcawley Construction, Kirby Group Engineering, Lake Region Medical Limited, Northstone N.I. Limited (Materials), Obelisk Group, PM Group, Road Maintenance Services, Roadbridge Ltd., Sky Handling Partner Ltd., TLI Group, W & H Alexander Limited, Winthrop Engineering Ltd. and Xerox Technology.
Expressions of interest for the 2017 safety awards can be emailed to awards@niso.ie. Register with NISO / NISG to receive details of the 2017 Awards when available.

18 April 2016 – All Ireland Safety Quiz Winners 2016

All Ireland Safety Quiz Winners 2016

Galway and Dublin teams scoop the honours at the 43rd All Ireland Safety Quiz Final 

At the All Ireland Safety Quiz Finals held in Athlone on Saturday 16 April 2016, Thermo King – Ingersoll Rand, Galway and M + W Group, Dublin, were the overall winners in the Previous Entrants and Novice Categories respectively.

The All Ireland Occupational Safety Quiz Finals are run jointly by the National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO) and the Northern Ireland Safety Group (NISG). A total of 14 teams competed from all parts of the island of Ireland.

There was a great turnout at the event, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Athlone, with great support for the participating teams from their coworkers.

In the Previous Entrants final, it was Thermo King – Ingersoll Rand with 119 points [out of a maximum of 128 marks] who topped the category, ahead of runners-up, SSE Generation Ireland Limited, Waterford who finished with 112 points. SSE Generation Ireland were the 2nd runners up in the 2015 finals. Longford team Abbott Diagnostic Division were the second runners-up in this category. The other five teams in this category performed strongly.

The results in the Novice Category finals were very close with M + W Group beating BioMarin International Ltd., Cork, by 3 points. Sligo-based AbbVie Ireland NL, Ballytivnan achieved third place with a score of 65 points. The other three teams in this category also performed strongly.

Martin O’Halloran, chief executive, Health and Safety Authority (HSA), presented the prizes at a special prize-giving dinner that evening and congratulated all participating teams. Mr O’Halloran acknowledged the time and commitment each team and participating organisation gave to the quiz and their contribution to creating health and safety awareness in their workplace.

National Irish Safety Organisation vice president Michael O’Neill welcomed NISO’s new president, Harry Galvin, who commended all the quiz teams, noting that each and every participant should be proud of their efforts to improve occupational health and safety. Mr Galvin also thanked the participating organisations’ managers for the support and encouragement shown to their teams.

Outgoing president, Pauric Corrigan, received a standing ovation for his service to NISO and health and safety over the eight years of his presidency.

Northern Ireland Safety Group Chairperson, Mandy Nelson, congratulated the participants and commended all the work put in by the teams for the All Ireland Safety Quiz finals.

 Previous Entrants Category Winners

1st Place: Thermo King (Ingersoll Rand) (representing the West Region*)

2nd Place: SSE Generation Ireland Limited (representing the South East Region*)

3rd Place: Abbott Ireland Diagnostics Division Longford (representing the Midland Region*)

Novice Category Winners

1st Place: M + W Group (representing the East Region*)

2nd Place: BioMarin International Ltd. (representing the South Region*)

3rd Place: AbbVie Ireland NL Ballytivnan (representing the North West Region*)

Other participating teams were [in alphabetical order]:

Abbott Cootehill (representing the North East Region*)
Novice Entrant Category

Abbott Cootehill (Representing the North East Region*)
Previous Entrant Category

AbbVie Ireland NL Ballytivnan (representing the North West Region*)
Previous Entrant Category

Actavo Network & In-House Division (representing Northern Ireland*)
Novice Category

Actavo Network & In-House Division (representing the East Region*)
Previous Entrant Category

BioMarin International Ltd. (representing the South Region*)
Previous Entrant Category

Medtronic (representing the West Region*)
Novice Category

Ulster Carpets Ltd. (representing Northern Ireland*)
Previous Entrant Category

^* Northern Ireland (Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Derry); East (Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow); Midlands (Laois, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath); Mid West (Limerick, Clare, Tipperary North); North East (Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan); North West (Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo); South (Cork, Kerry); South East (Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary South, Waterford, Wexford); West (Galway, Mayo, Roscommon)

ENDS

8 February 2016 – Farming remains Ireland’s most dangerous occupation

Farming remains Ireland’s most dangerous occupation
Forty-nine people, including nine children, have been killed on Irish farms since January 2014. Of these fatalities, seven people, including two children, lost their lives on farms in the west of Ireland (counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon) during this two-year period.
In 2014, the number of farm fatalities almost doubled with a total number of 30 deaths compared with 16 deaths in 2013. This shocking number of fatalities led to widespread farm safety awareness campaigns throughout the country. The number of farm-related fatalities in 2015 was 18, representing a 40% reduction on the previous year’s figures.
While a 40% reduction is certainly an improvement, the rate of farm fatalities and accidents in Ireland is still too high and represented 33% of the the total number of work-related fatalities in Ireland in 2015. Safety has to remain the priority among the farming community and efforts to improve safety awareness need to be ongoing.
The National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO) is hosting a Farm Safety Seminar in the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport, Co. Mayo on 17 February. The aim of the seminar is to raise farm safety awareness among as many in the farming community as possible and help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on Irish farms.
The panel of speakers includes Maura Canning, IFA; Pauric Corrigan, NISO; Pat Griffin, Health and Safety Authority; Geraldine Hynes, Teagasc; Professor Michael J. Hynes, NUI Galway; Ciarán Roche, FBD and Cathal Smith, Apex Fire Ltd.
The seminar will cover a wide range of farm safety issues including chemicals safety, fire safety on farms, risk assessments and preparing a safety statement, insurance and the shocking reality of farm accidents.
ENDS

13 November 2015 – Total of 46 Lives Lost on Irish Farms Since 2014

Total of 46 Lives Lost on Irish Farms Since 2014
Statistically, farming is Ireland’s most dangerous occupation. Since January 2014, 46 people, including seven children, have lost their lives on Irish farms. Of the 55 workplace fatalities in 2014, just under a quarter occurred in the Cork and Kerry region with almost 60% of these fatalities being farm related.
Fatalities are only one tragic aspect of the devastation caused by farm accidents – according to a Teagasc farm safety survey, 2,000 injuries also occur on Irish farms each year. The vast majority of these injuries, 75%, are associated with tractors and machinery, trips and falls, and livestock.
The National Irish Safety Organisation is hosting a nationwide workshop series entitled Farm Safety – Changing Attitudes. The workshops will commence in Fels Point Hotel in Tralee on 30 November, followed by dates in Athenry, Monaghan, Westport and Tullamore.
The aim of the Farm Safety – Changing Attitudes workshop series is to raise farm safety awareness among as many in the farming community as possible and help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on Irish farms.
The panel of speakers includes John McNamara, Teagasc; Ciarán Roche, FBD; Professor Michael J. Hynes, NUI Galway; Pat Griffin and John Kennedy from the Health and Safety Authority, who will speak at alternating venues, and others to be confirmed.
The workshops will cover a wide range of farm safety issues including spraying regulations, chemicals safety, risk assessments and preparing a safety statement, insurance, fire safety and working from height safety.
For further information and bookings please contact the NISO office on 01 465 9760, email info@niso.ie or visit niso.ie under events.
ENDS

6 October 2015 – Sierra Support Services Group wins All Ireland Supreme Safety Award

Sierra Support Services Group wins ALL IRELAND SUPREME SAFETY AWARD 

The 24th Annual National Irish Safety Organisation / Northern Ireland Safety Group (NISO/NISG) Safety Awards took place on 2 October 2015 at a special ceremony in Galway at which the Supreme Safety Award winner for 2015, sponsored by Phillips 66, was announced as Sierra Support Services Group.

The Supreme Safety Award is presented to the organisation which has shown consistently good or continuously improving health and safety performance over a number of years and an outstanding contribution to occupational safety, health and welfare during the previous year. The Awards are highly valued and regarded among health and safety professionals throughout the island of Ireland.

Other awards presented on the night included the Small / Sub Contractor Safety Innovation Award 2015, in association with Construction Safety Partnership (CSP), which was awarded to SNPS Ltd. The Safety Representative of the Year Award 2015, in association with  Nifast, was awarded to Pauline Walsh, Ballina Beverages.

The inaugural Superior Performance Award, sponsored by Anderco, was won by Lagan Construction Group. The Anderco Superior Performance Award is awarded to the organisation that best demonstrates evidence that they have introduced proactive measures over and above the legal requirement to provide a superior safety working environment for all.

The Occupational Health Award, supported by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), was won by Eli Lilly S.A. – Ireland Branch.

The awards, which demonstrate the positive and proactive culture of safety management in organisations, were sponsored by Anderco, Construction Industry Federation (CIF), and Phillips 66, while Abbott Ireland Diagnostic Division, Sligo; Anderco; ESS Safeforce; Gas Networks Ireland; KD group; Kilcawley Construction; Roadbridge and Walsh Group, sponsored the annual health and safey conference, which preceded the safey awards ceremony.

Pauric Corrigan, NISO president, along with Jimmy Fenton, NISG chair, and Martin O’Halloran, HSA CEO, presented awards to over 100 organisations from all around the island of Ireland. The Gold Award was won by John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd., based in Dublin; the Silver Award by Walls Construction Limited, based in Dublin and the Bronze Award by Lagan Construction Group, based in Belfast.

A number of high achiever awards were presented to organisations that consistently achieved a high standard safety award between 2010−2015 inclusively, representing their continuous commitment to health and safety in their organisation. Recipients of this award include Abbott Ireland Diagnostic Division; Alkermes Pharma Ireland Ltd.; Allergan Pharmaceuticals Ireland; Cold Chon (Galway) Ltd. (Chemoran); Designer Group Engineering Contractors; Fingal County Council; GE Healthcare Ireland; John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd.; Jones Engineering Group;  Lake Region Medical Limited; Helsinn Birex Pharmaceuticals; Northstone Materials; PM Group; Roadbridge; Road Maintenance Services; Sierra Support Services Group; TLI Group and Xerox Technology.

Expressions of interest for the 2016 safety awards can be emailed to awards@niso.ie. Register with NISO / NISG to receive details of the 2016 Awards when available.

Click here for the full list of award winners. 

ENDS

9 September 2015 – NISO express concern at rise in personal injury claims in 2015

NISO expresses concern at rise in personal injury claims in 2015

National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO) has expressed its concern over figures recently published by the injuries Board in its mid-year review. The Injuries Board reports that 17,132 new claims have been made in the first six months of 2015 representing a 7% increase on the 15,987 new claims received in the same six month period in 2014. The mid-year review also reveals that workplace claims are up 8.5%, accidents in public places are up by almost 9% and motor claims are up 6%.

Commenting on the six month figures, Mr. Maurice Priestley, Interim CEO at the Injuries Board, stated: “It is not surprising that there has been a modest increase in claims volumes year to date given the general economic upturn with more people at work and a lot more vehicles on the road. Greater economic activity would be expected to generate greater numbers of policies and premium income for insurers.”

In response, NISO President, Pauric Corrigan, has stated that “While National Irish Safety Organisation welcomes the recent upturn in the economy and the volumes returning to work, it is now more important than ever for employers and employees to keep health and safety awareness at the forefront. With more and more people joining the workforce, health and safety must be the top priority to help prevent the continuation of this upward trend in accidents and claims.”

The average compensation award for the first six months of 2015 is €22,375, compared to an average award of €22,082 in the same period last year.

ENDS

20 April 2015 – All Ireland Safety Quiz Winners 2015

All Ireland Safety Quiz Winners 2015 

Success for Tipperary and Antrim teams at the 42nd All Ireland Safety Quiz Final

At the All Ireland Safety Quiz Finals held in Belfast on Saturday, 18 April 2015, Bord na Móna Littleton and Phoenix Energy Services, Antrim, were the overall winners in the Previous Entrants and Novices Categories respectively.

The All Ireland Occupational Safety Quiz Finals are run jointly by the National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO) and the Northern Ireland Safety Group (NISG). A total of 16 teams competed from all parts of the island of Ireland.

There was a great turnout at the event, held at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Belfast, with 180 guests attending the prize giving dinner that evening.

Bord na Móna Littleton topped the Previous Entrants category for the second year in a row with an impressive score of 106 points. Close behind with 105 points each in the final round were SSE Great Island Power Station and Abbot Diagnostic Division, Sligo. Wexford team SSE Great Island Power Station beat Abbott Diagnostic Division, Sligo in the tie break, and the teams finished in second and third places respectively. The other six teams in the category performed very strongly throughout.

The results in the Novices category finals were very close with Northern Ireland team Phoenix Energy Services beating Cork-based BioMarin by one point, finishing on 83 points and 82 points respectively. Abbott Diagnostic Division, Sligo overtook close competitors Abbott Cootehill in the final round to finish in third place. The other three teams in this category performed strongly also.

Wilson Lambe, President, Northern Ireland Safety Group, announced the winners at a special prize-giving dinner that evening and praised the effort and knowledge of the participating teams and the role played by the National Irish Safety Organisation and the Northern Ireland Safety Group in promoting safety on the island.

NISG Chairperson Jimmy Fenton warmly welcomed everyone to Belfast saying that health and safety is an island-wide issue that impacts all areas of employment north, south, east and west. Mr Fenton congratulated all the teams that made it to the Finals and commented that the Novices trophy had travelled all the way up north and was now going to stay in the north.

Pauric Corrigan, President, NISO, thanked NISG for hosting the All Ireland Safety Quiz Finals in Belfast. Mr Corrigan also thanked the quiz organisers within NISO and NISG, the adjudicators and the quizmaster, Alan Burch. Commenting on how well NISO and NISG work together Mr Corrigan stated that ‘safety has no borders’ and ‘it is great to see a trophy both sides of the border which is how it should be with safety’. Mr Corrigan announced that the midland region will be hosting the All Ireland Safety Quiz Finals in 2016.

Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) Chief Executive Keith Morrison congratulated the winners, saying that every team from every region were already winners having won stiff competition in their regional heats.

Previous Entrants Category Winners

1st Place: Bord na Móna Littleton (representing the Mid West Region*)

2nd Place: SSE Great Island Power Station (representing the South East Region*)

3rd Place: Abbott Diagnostic Division, Sligo (representing the North West Region*)

Novice Category Winners

1st Place: Phoenix Energy Services (representing Northern Ireland*)

2nd Place: BioMarin International Ltd. (representing the South Region*)

3rd Place: Abbott Diagnostic Division, Sligo (representing the North West Region*)

Other Finalists were [in alphabetical order]:

Abbott Cootehill  (representing the North East Region*)
Novice Entrant Category

Abbott Cootehill (Representing the North East Region*)
Previous Entrant Category

Abbott Diagnostic Division, Longford (representing the Midland Region*)
Previous Entrant Category

Applied Materials Ireland (representing the East Region*)
Novice Category

BioMarin International Ltd. (representing the South Region*)
Previous Entrant Category

Helsinn Birex Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (representing the East Region*)
Previous Entrant Category

Medtronic (representing the West Region*)
Novice Category

Rosderra Irish Meats Group Limited (Representing the Midland Region*)
Novice Category

Thermo King Ireland Limited, Ingersoll Rand Climate Solutions (representing the West Region*)
Previous Entrants Category

Ulster Carpets Ltd. (representing Northern Ireland*)
Previous Entrant Category

^* Northern Ireland (Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Derry); East (Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow); Midlands (Laois, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath); Mid West (Limerick, Clare, Tipperary North); North East (Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan); North West (Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo); South (Cork, Kerry); South East (Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary South, Waterford, Wexford); West (Galway, Mayo, Roscommon)

Ends

19 February 2015 – Farm Accidents accounted for 677 beds days in Mayo General Hospital

Farm Accidents accounted for 677 beds days in Mayo General Hospital

A farm safety seminar organised by the National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO) in Claremorris, Co Mayo, on 19 February 2015 was attended by over 100 farmers. A distinguished panel of six speakers* who imparted their knowledge about accident causes, livestock, children, chemicals, traumas, hospital admissions, lone working, stress, insurance, risk assessments, statutory inspections and the shocking reality.
Prof Kevin Barry, Consultant Surgeon with Mayo General Hospital informed delegates that farm related accidents in the seven year period from 2005 to 2011 accounted for 677 beds days in Mayo General Hospital alone.
Farmers also expressed concern over requirements for reducing the impact of pesticides in the environment (STRIPE).
NISO President, Pauric Corrigan, expressed hope that all farmers would take more care in 2015 after a disastrous year where 30 lives were lost in farming incidents in 2014.

ENDS

6 January 2015 – NISO expresses deep concern over level of farm workplace fatalities

NISO expresses deep concern over level of farm workplace fatalities

The National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO) has expressed deep concern at the 30 farm workplace fatalities recorded in 2014 which represents an 87 per cent rise in agriculture sector fatalities since 2013.

Pauric Corrigan, NISO President, stated that “while all farm fatalities are unacceptable, the level of farm fatalities during 2014 is disturbing and represents over 54 per cent of all workplace fatalities during 2014 despite an increasing focus on farm safety in recent years”.
He added that the recent controversy surrounding European Agriculture Commissioner, Phil Hogan’s, statement that farmers could lose EU grants unless they live up to certain safety standards “is not new and was highlighted by the Health and Safety Authority earlier this year”.
Corrigan continued that “the Commissioner’s idea should not be ridiculed and merited further consideration in conjunction with other methods including a number of options in the Farm Safety Action Plan 2013 – 2015 such as mandatory health and safety training in specific areas such as the use of chainsaws and the introduction of Farm Safety on the agenda of future Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) reform negotiations”.
NISO supports efforts to promote farm safety that are being made at both national and European level. As part of NISO’s contribution at national level, NISO will be hosting a Farm Safety Seminar in Mallow on 15 January 2015, details of which are accessible on NISO’s website (niso.ie). Another seminar in Co Mayo will follow in early February.
At European level, initiatives are required to formulate a cohesive EU policy in order to address the ‘carnage’ that continues to take place on Irish and European farms.
NISO fully supports the work of various bodies in their attempt to prevent accidents and again calls on farmers to take responsibility and exercise good safety prevention measures.

ENDS

25 November 2014 – NISO challenges Farm Contractors on child safety

NISO challenges view of Farm Contractors Ireland on child safety

Speaking at the National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO) farm safety seminar held yesterday (Tuesday, 25 November) in Tullamore, Pauric Corrigan, NISO President, rejected the view of Farm Contractors Ireland that the Health and Safety Authority’s new policy on farm safety is a “disaster”. He pointing out that children are not permitted on construction machinery and questioned why Farm Contractors Ireland think it is acceptable for children to be on similar machinery on farms.

NISO takes issue with the comments that hard-pressed farmers not having the money to afford extra childcare was a valid reason for carrying children on farm machinery. NISO argues that problem of affordable childcare is not unique to farmers. Corrigan stated that the problem with childcare “does not justify putting children at risk whatever the cost. Are we putting a cost on the life of a child?”

NISO fully supports the Health and Safety Authority’s attempts to prevent accidents and again calls on farmers to take responsibility and exercise good safety prevention measures.

ENDS

13 November 2014 – HSA To Prosecute Farmers!

13 November 2014

HSA TO PROSECUTE FARMERS!

Farmers may be prosecuted under Health and Safety Legislation

The National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO) welcomes the Health and Safety Authority’s (HSA) decision to prosecute farmers for carrying children in the cab of tractors and farm machinery. A young child would not be allowed on a workplace vehicle on a construction site so NISO questions why this is tolerated on a farm!

To date this year, 23 people, including children, have lost their lives while every year about 2,000 people are injured on farms, making it by far the most dangerous workplace and accounting for over 50% of all workplace accidents in Ireland this year.

NISO urges farmers not to expose themselves or others to the dangers of open slurry tanks and unguarded machinery. NISO believes that the time has come for farmers to take responsibility and ownership for their own safety and the safety of their families and visitors.

Farm Safety Seminar in Tullamore, 25 November

NISO Midland Region will be hosting a farm safety seminar in Tullamore on 25 November 2014.

Five speakers will address the evening seminar which will commence at 19:00 hrs with prior registration.

https://niso.ie/events/seminar/farm-safety-seminar-tullamore/

24 October 2014 – Halloween Safety – Prepare for halloween and think safety before and during the festivities.

24 October 2014
HALLOWEEN SAFETY

Halloween is an enjoyable time for the younger generation and perhaps the not so young.

The National Irish Safety Organisation, which promotes health and safety, has prepared a factsheet to assist organisers and the public to prepare for a safe Halloween.

We all want to ensure that everyone stays healthy and safe during this festive occasion.

Here are some tips to help keep everyone safe so we can enjoy the next festive occasion!

Preparing for Halloween at home

Prepare for halloween and think safety before and during the festivities.

• Test make-up on a small area before applying. Remove before going to bed to prevent possible irritation to the skin or eyes.
• Costumes should be made of non flammable materials.
• Make sure that adults carve the pumpkins in a safe manner. Children should not have access to sharp knives. Instead of carving, consider the use of markers or paint on the pumpkin or purchase a ‘pretend’ pumpkin.
• Never leave lighted pumpkins or candles unattended. Consider pumpkins with lights or battery operated flameless candles instead.

Trick or Treat

Children love to trick or treat. To keep them safe, note the following points:

• Keep accessories to a minimum and ensure that those used are short, soft and flexible.
• Costumes should be as bright as possible or incorporate reflective bands or tapes to costumes and bags. Use a torch for maximum visibility.
• Ensure warm clothing is worn under the costume
• Never trick or treat alone. Ensure you are in groups and / or with a trusted adult.
• Parent should be aware of where their children are trick or treating.
• Only eat treats which are packaged. Avoid unwrapped treats made by strangers.
• Check all treats received for hazards such as choking, tampering or simply out of date treats.
• Always walk and never run out of houses or onto roadways.
• Walk on the pavements and only use established crossing points. If pavements do not exist, walk  on the edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe [using reflective bands and torches].
• Stay close to your home. Don’t allow your child to enter unfamiliar neighbourhoods.
• Masks and costumes should be well fitted to avoid trips and falls through blocked vision or trailing costumes.
• Do not enter homes unless accompanied by a trusted adult. Do not visit unlit houses and never accept lifts from strangers.
• Never walk near candles or bonfires.
• A child usually receives more treats than performing tricks so ration the load for a healthier halloween. Consider donating excess treats to a charity.

Preparing for Callers to your door / Guests

• Preparations in advance of trick or treaters calling to your home should include:
• Clear Up: Ensure anything that a trick or treater could fall over is removed. Clear wet leaves or other debris from the driveway or outside your home.
• Turn on the lights: Make sure that there is good visibility for callers.
• Control Pets: Your pet might be frightened by increased activity around your house or be spooked by bonfires, fireworks or bangers.
• Consider healthy alternatives to sugar treats.

Drivers

Remind drivers to watch out for trick or treaters and to drive safely.

• Watch for children on the road or crossing the road especially between parked cars.
• If you are using your car at Halloween ensure that you have backed your car into the driveway / parking space to ensure greater visibility when leaving.
• Expect the unexpected. Always assume children are likely to cross the road at any time.

Bonfires and Fireworks

Each year, emergency departments are filled with children who receive horrific and painful injuries as a result of the misuse of fireworks and bonfires.

• Explain the dangers of fireworks and bonfires to children and teenagers.
• If you see flammable material such as tyres, pallets or old furniture being hoarded in advance of Halloween, contact your local authority or council. Keep dangerous substances such as oil, petrol and diesel away from fires or fireworks.
• Do not host or facilitate bonfires or firework displays on or near your home or property.
• Contact your local authority or council if you see a bonfire being built close to buildings, trees, overhead cables, underground services or car parking areas .
• Stay a safe distance from bonfires and fireworks – wind can carry sparks long distances and can cause permanent injuries and scars.
• Businesses, parents,  and householders – Do not provide any materials for bonfires.
• Do not buy, use or supply fireworks.
• Respect the work of the Gardaí, Emergency Services, local authority / council staff.
• Keep pets indoors on Halloween night

Incorporating these safety tips will ensure a safe halloween for everyone.

Download our guide [pdf; 132kb]

END

4 October 2014 – Cold Chon (Galway) Ltd. wins 2014 All Ireland Supreme Safety Award

4 October 2014
COLD CHON (GALWAY) LTD. WINS 2014 ALL IRELAND SUPREME SAFETY AWARD The 23rd Annual National Irish Safety Organisation / Northern Ireland Safety Group (NISO/NISG) Safety Awards took place on 3 October 2014 at a special ceremony in Mullingar at which the Supreme Safety Award winner for 2014, sponsored by Phillips 66, was announced as Cold Chon (Galway) Ltd. (Chemoran).

4 October 2014
COLD CHON (GALWAY) LTD. WINS 2014 ALL IRELAND SUPREME SAFETY AWARD
The 23rd Annual National Irish Safety Organisation / Northern Ireland Safety Group (NISO/NISG) Safety Awards took place on 3 October 2014 at a special ceremony in Mullingar at which the Supreme Safety Award winner for 2014, sponsored by Phillips 66, was announced as Cold Chon (Galway) Ltd. (Chemoran).
The Supreme Safety Award is presented to the organisation which has shown consistently good or continuously improving health and safety performance over a number of years and an outstanding contribution to occupational safety, health and welfare during the previous year. The Awards are highly valued and regarded among health and safety professionals throughout the island of Ireland.
Other awards presented on the night included the Small / Sub Contractor, Safety Innovation Award 2014, in association with the Construction Safety Partnership (CSP) which was awarded to Towercom Ltd. The inaugural Occupational Safety Award, supported by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), was won jointly by Montupet (UK) Ltd. and The Lisheen Mine.
The awards, which demonstrate the positive and proactive culture of safety management in organisations, were sponsored by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), Construction Safety Partnership (CSP) and Phillips 66 Ireland Ltd., while Abbott Ireland Sligo, Anderco, Bord Gais Networks, Kilcawley Construction, Roadbridge, Siteserv and Walsh Group also sponsored the annual health and safety conference this year, which preceded the awards ceremony.
Pauric Corrigan, NISO president, along with Jimmy Fenton, NISG chair, and Mairead McGuinness, M.E.P., presented awards to over 100 organisations from all around the island of Ireland. The Gold Award was won by Helsinn Birex Pharmaceuticals from Dublin, the Silver Award by Abbott Ireland Diagnostics Division based in Longford and Sligo and the Bronze Award was won by Sierra Support Services Group.
A number of high achiever awards were presented to organisations that consistently achieved a high standard safety award between 2010 − 2014 inclusively, representing their continuous commitment to health and safety in their organisation. Recipients of this award include Abbott Ireland Diagnostics Division Sligo, Allergan Pharmaceutical, Cold Chon (Galway) Ltd. (Chemoran), Designer Group Engineering Contractors, GE Healthcare, Helsinn Birex Pharmaceuticals, Northstone Materials, PM Group, Roadbridge, Sierra Support Services Group and Xerox Technology.
Expressions of interest for the 2015 safety awards can be emailed to awards@niso.ie. Register with NISO / NISG to receive details of the 2015 Awards when available.
Hall of Fame – 23 years of winners of the Supreme Award

• 2014 Cold Chon (Galway) Ltd. (Chemoran)
• 2013 GE Healthcare
• 2012 MSD, Brinny
• 2011 Diamond Innovations Irish Operations
• 2010 Masonite Ireland
• 2009 PSE Kinsale Energy Ltd.
• 2008 Swords Laboratories
• 2007 Baxter Healthcare Irish Manufacturing Operations
• 2006 Helsinn Birex Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
• 2005 Roadbridge Ltd.
• 2004 Helsinn Chemicals Ireland Ltd.
• 2003 Bausch & Lomb Ireland
• 2002 GE Superabrasives Ireland
• 2001 Merck Sharp & Dohme (Ireland) Ltd.
• 2000 Aughinish Alumina
• 1999 Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd.
• 1998 Bausch & Lomb Ireland Sunglass Operation
• 1997 Olin Chemicals BV
• 1996 Intel Ireland Ltd.
• 1995 Janssen Pharmaceutical Limited
• 1994 Merck Sharp & Dohme Ireland
• 1993 Irish Refining plc
• 1992 Arthur Guinness & Son (Dublin) Ltd.

Click here for a full list of 2014 Award winners