Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) have joined forces to help promote the importance of tackling major causes of work-related ill health with the aim of protecting workers’ wellbeing.
The initiative 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. And 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 visit, hosted by Chair of Environmental Services, Alderman Owen Gawith, HSENI revealed that 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 Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council is 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. By working in partnership with the council we can reach more employers, share practical guidance and support healthier, more productive workplaces,” Robert added.
Chair of Environmental Services, Alderman Owen Gawith said: “The well-being of the local workforce is key to a healthy community and economy, so we are delighted to partner with HSENI and pledge our support for this critical workplace campaign.
“We are encouraging local employers of all sizes to engage with the campaign and take advantage of the guidance and resources HSENI is providing. Prevention is always better than cure, and simple changes in the workplace can make an enormous difference to people’s quality of life,” he 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 click here.