HSA publish 2021 annual report

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) have published their annual report for the 2021 period. 

Their report details the scope of work they undertook during the year, including its methods of support to enable employers and employees to meet their statutory obligations.

The report also sets out the groundwork for its next strategy that will see an increased focus on occupational health hazards, particularly those hazards associated with psychosocial and ergonomic risks, and also exposure to chemical and biological agents. 

Key points from the HSA's 2021 report include:

• 7,477 inspections undertaken:
  • 1,383 were in relation to chemicals,
  • 666 were in relation to carriage of dangerous goods by road (ADR);
• a further 1,109 investigations completed based on incident reports and complaints received;
• 68% of inspections and investigations resulted in enforcement action being undertaken;
• 18 prosecutions were pursued by the HSA;
• fines imposed totalled €692,750;
• 207 REACH information requests processed;
• 336 asbestos notifications processed;
• 7,437 COVID-19 inspections undertaken;
• 2,484 complaints handled relating to COVID-19;
• record low in work-related fatalities reported, with 38 deaths, down from 53 in 2020, a reduction of 30%.

Dr Sharon McGuinness, CEO of the HSA, commented: "In 2021 we set out to achieve tangible outcomes across our mandate which includes occupational safety and health (OSH), accreditation, chemicals, and market surveillance. In delivering our strategic objectives from 2019-2021, the Authority continued to encourage and support enterprises in taking responsibility for their compliance, taking appropriate and proportionate enforcement action when needed. We also worked closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on legislative developments and proposals."

"Looking ahead, the Authority will continue to serve an ever-changing work environment in Ireland and it is important that the organisation evolves in parallel to achieve best outcomes. As we continue to prioritise our goals to promote, regulate, accredit, and influence the areas across our mandate, the Authority is expanding its workforce and re-organising its structure to introduce a new Occupational Health division. This new division will centre its focus on various safety and health concerns in Irish workplace including the impacts of the pandemic in accelerating the move to remote/hybrid working, the continued growth of the ‘gig economy’, the particular needs of vulnerable workers and migrant groups, and the impact of psychosocial issues in the workplace."

For more information see, the:

• HSA Annual report 2021.