Ards and North Down Council partners with HSENI to tackle work-related ill health

Ards and North Down Borough Council is partnering with the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) to support a targeted campaign dedicated to helping safeguard the health of local workers.

Mayor, Councillor Gillian McCollum joined HSENI Chief Executive Robert Kidd to publicise HSENI's year-long Workplace Health Campaign which addresses occupational diseases such as cancers, chronic lung conditions, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and work-related mental wellbeing.

It urges everyone to become aware of occupational diseases that can arise out of workplace activities if hazards are not properly controlled. It also challenges all involved to find out if they have the information they need to remove the risk or reduce it to an acceptable level.

During a meeting with the Mayor, HSENI described how work-related ill health is estimated as having a societal cost to Northern Ireland of over £390m each year, with average figures indicating that there could be over 300 deaths per year and thousands more suffering health problems due to work-related illnesses.

Robert Kidd, Chief Executive of HSENI, said no one's job was worth losing their life or health over.

"These figures tell a stark story about the impact work-related ill health is having on our society, our workforce and our health service. We need to take urgent action now to ensure every workplace is one where the health risks are properly managed" he said.

"No one should lose their life or develop ill health simply as a result of the job they do. Yet, it is estimated that over 300 people die each year due to work-related disease and thousands more left living with serious and debilitating health conditions, with an estimated cost of over £390million per year to society. But these aren't just statistics, they represent real people and real loss.

"So, we are delighted that Ards and North Down Borough Council and Mayor Councillor Gillian McCollum are joining with us to help address this problem by supporting our Workplace Health Campaign, promoting our key messages and encouraging employers to take practical steps to protect workers' health. Everyone deserves to return home with their health protected as well as their safety.  With the council's support, we can reach even more employers, share practical guidance and support healthier, more productive workplaces," Robert added.

The Mayor said: "As Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council one of my primary concerns is the health and wellbeing of our people and this work with HSENI provides us with an excellent opportunity to bring tangible improvements to the health of our workforces. I would urge everyone to get involved and help us to raise the health standards across all local workplaces by taking action now to protect their staff from workplace illnesses, which in turn will help support the local economy and health service."

Key findings from HSENI's 'Workplace Health Statistics and Analysis for Northern Ireland 2025' publication:

Occupational Lung Disease

• 110 deaths estimated from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) due to work in 2023
• 6,400 people estimated to have suffered from work-related COPD in 2023
• 15 Asbestosis-related deaths registered in 2022

Occupational Cancer

Average per year figures indicate:

• Around 200 deaths could be attributable to occupational cancers
• 47 deaths from Mesothelioma with the same number of deaths (47) estimated from Asbestos-related lung cancers
• 20 lung cancer deaths estimated due to exposure to Silica dust at work
• 80 other work-related cancer deaths estimated, such as bladder, lung, and other cancers, due to exposure to cancer-causing agents, for example, diesel engine exhaust emissions (15), mineral oils (15), and other (50).

Other work-related illnesses (caused or made worse by work in 2023-24):

Estimated number of cases: 

• 18,000 people suffered from musculoskeletal disorder (MSD)
• 15,000 people suffered from stress, depression, or anxiety
• 4,000 people suffered from illnesses other than stress, depression, or anxiety such as skin conditions and hearing loss

Days lost

• 640,000 days lost estimated in 2023/24 due to work-related illnesses. 

For campaign information and resources visit Workplace Health | Health and Safety Executive