European Health & Safety Survey

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work recently conducted a pan-European survey across 27 member states including Ireland.  Findings from the survey have placed Ireland at the top of an EU table on perceptions of workplace health and safety improvements over the last 5 years. 83% of Irish respondents indicated that workplace health and safety standards were either better or much better compared to five years ago, the highest rating amongst 27 European countries. In relation to the provision of information about workplace safety and health risks, Ireland was in second place with 84% of respondents claiming they were either fairly well or very well informed.

The study also indicates that there is widespread concern among European citizens that the current economic crisis could adversely affect health and safety at work, putting at risk the improvements that they report having seen over the last five years.  According to the study, 6 out of 10 Europeans expect the global economic downturn to deteriorate working conditions, especially regarding health and safety.  This figure is consistent with Irish perceptions.

Jukka Takala, Director of EU-OSHA, recognises the challenges that businesses face today and reminds them of investing in their workers health.  “The financial crisis may lead organisations to ignore or minimise the importance of workplace safety and health. And there is also a risk that companies will consider cutting back on their investment in occupational safety and health (OSH).  The challenge to us, as the Agency, is to convince them that there is no point in making short-term gains at the cost of long-term problems.  All of our work shows that the more healthy workplaces are, the more productive they also tend to be,” he said.

Martin O’Halloran, Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority, in agreeing with Mr. Takala’s comments added, “Any business or organisation thinking about cutting corners in relation to the safety, health and welfare of their workers is taking a huge risk.  We have made very substantial improvements to safety, health and welfare standards over the past number of years. Turning back the clock is not an option and, from a business perspective, makes no financial sense.”