Council Joins Forces with HSENI to Help Tackle Work-Related Ill Health

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is working alongside the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) to promote the importance of tackling major causes of work-related ill health.

The initiative, aimed at protecting workers’ health and wellbeing, is part of HSENI’s year-long Workplace Health Campaign addressing 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.

The initiative challenges all involved to find out if they have the information, they need to remove the risk or reduce workplace health risks to an acceptable level. In 2023/24, an estimated 640,000 days were lost due to work-related illnesses.

During a visit to the Downshire Civic Centre on 22 January, hosted by Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, the HSENI revealed that work-related ill health is estimated as having a societal cost to Northern Ireland of over £390 million 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.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Campbell welcomed the opportunity to support the campaign and said, “highlighting that safeguarding workplace health remains a key regulatory responsibility for all employers across the council area.

“Our support for this campaign reinforces that workplace health is not solely about meeting compliance standards — it is fundamentally about valuing people.”

The Chairperson added, “A healthy workforce is essential for productivity, stronger community engagement and a thriving local economy. Through this joint effort to promote the campaign across the district, we aim to foster safer, healthier working environments and reduce the risk of occupational illness.”

Chief Executive of HSENI, Robert Kidd said the Council’s support with the campaign would enable wider engagement with employers, help get the vital messages out and promote healthier and safer workplaces.

“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 because 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 £390 million per year to society. But these aren’t just statistics, they represent real people and real loss.”

Mr Kidd said HSENI was delighted the Council has joined with the organisation to help address the problem by supporting its Workplace Health Campaign, promoting its key messages and encouraging employers to take practical steps to protect workers’ health.

He added, “Everyone deserves to return home with their health protected as well as their safety.  By working collaboratively with the Council we can reach more employers, share practical guidance and support healthier, more productive workplaces,” Robert added.

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