Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, an employer (including self-employed workers) and individuals in control of places of work, must prepare a Safety Statement. A Safety Statement is a written programme by the individuals responsible for the workplace. It details how health and safety of employees and anyone else who may be present in the workplace is managed and safeguarded.
Safety Statements are used to plan and control the workplace environment such that accidents are preventable. The main focus when a safety statement is prepared is to eliminate the foreseeable risks and hazards to make the environment as safe as possible.
By law, a Safety Statement must be based on a Risk Assessment which details the hazards in the workplace. A Risk Assessment is done by examining all possible hazards and risks in any area or while preforming a task in said area and evaluating the consequences of them causing an accident. Control measures are then implemented to mitigate the said consequences.
It is the employer’s duty to ensure that the document is available to all staff, as well as others who may be exposed to the hazards in the workplace. Another duty of the employer is to ensure that the statement is available to all staff and visitors who may be also exposed to the risks.
Safety Statements should be reviewed at least annually and in the event of major changes in operations have been made. Updating safety statements is crucial for several reasons, primarily related to legal, ethical, and practical considerations in ensuring workplace safety and compliance with legal regulations.
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Legal Compliance
In Ireland, employers are legally required to have an up-to-date safety statement under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. This document outlines how health and safety will be managed within the organization, identifying hazards, assessing risks, and specifying control measures. Failure to keep the safety statement updated can result in penalties, legal action, or fines from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).
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Changing Work Environment
Workplaces are dynamic, with new processes, equipment, and personnel introduced regularly. As these changes occur, the risks associated with them also evolve. An outdated safety statement may not reflect new hazards or control measures, putting employees at increased risk. Regular updates ensure that all potential risks are addressed and mitigated.
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Protecting Employees
The primary purpose of a safety statement is to protect the health and safety of employees. Regularly updating the statement ensures that new risks, hazards, or incidents are identified, and the necessary safety precautions are put in place. This reduces the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and illnesses.
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Prevention of Accidents and Incidents
An updated safety statement helps identify potential hazards before they result in an accident or incident. By regularly reviewing and improving safety measures, employers can prevent injuries on site.
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Adapting to Legislative Changes
Health and safety laws in Ireland can change over time, with new regulations, codes of practice, or industry standards being introduced. Updating the safety statement ensures that the organization remains compliant with the latest legal requirements and adopts the most current safety practices.
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Promoting a Culture of Safety
Regularly updating the safety statement demonstrates the employer’s commitment to workplace safety. This can improve morale and create a culture where employees feel valued and are more likely to adhere to safety protocols, report hazards, and contribute to safer work practices.
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Risk Management
By regularly assessing and updating safety procedures, employers can identify new or emerging risks and develop proactive solutions to minimize them. This helps in managing overall risk and improving safety management systems in the long term.
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Insurance Requirements
Insurance companies may require organizations to keep their safety statements updated as part of their risk management processes. Failing to do so can affect insurance coverage or lead to increased premiums.
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Business Reputation
A business that consistently prioritizes and updates its health and safety measures is more likely to build a good reputation among employees, clients, and regulatory bodies. This can lead to better employee retention, client trust, and overall business performance.
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Responding to Accidents or Incidents
If an accident or near-miss occurs, the safety statement should be updated to reflect any lessons learned or new measures that need to be implemented. This helps prevent similar incidents in the future and shows regulatory bodies that the company takes safety seriously.
In summary, updating safety statements is vital to maintaining a safe, compliant, and efficient workplace in Ireland. It helps protect employees, ensures legal compliance, mitigates risks, and fosters a culture of safety.
To contact our consultancy team to update your safety statements, email info@occupli.com or call 0818 315 415.