This leaflet is for employers, managers and workers, safety representatives and those responsible for health and safety. It tells you how to develop the right arrangements to manage back pain. It also gives a summary of legal responsibilities on manual handling and describes sources of further information, such as guidelines from the Faculty of Occupational Medicine.
Download Backworks NI (235 k)
Issued: 04-04-2006

This document contains contact details of organisations providing first aid at work training in Northern Ireland.
Click here to view a list of Organisations Providing First Aid at Work Training
Issued: 07-03-2006

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI)and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in conjunction with six organizations in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have jointly piloted the Work Positive resource pack.  This is a stress audit tool which can be used to assist organisations in meeting the requirements of the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE UK) Management Standards for
Work-Related Stress
Download Work Positive Audit Tool for Stress and the Health and Safety Executive Management Standards

The Work Well initiative has been developed to promote health in the workplace and to address the specific needs of small businesses. It is funded jointly by HSENI and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS).

The survey report contains baseline data from the 20 small businesses within the Northern and Eastern Health and Social Services Board areas which are currently participating in the initiative. The data came from two sources: employee questionnaires from participating businesses; organisational health assessments for each business. The survey will be repeated with each business at the end of a one year period, and changes in health behaviour and knowledge, and job satisfaction will be measured.
Download Work Well: Baseline survey findings 2004 (129 k)
Issued: 27-07-2005

Download the Support Material and Resource Services - smoking pack (418 k)
Issued: 31-01-2005

Download Protecting your Workforce From Tobacco Smoke (339 k)
Issued: 31-01-2005

Download The Health Risks of Passive Smoking (508 k)
Issued: 31-01-2005

Download the Sample Workplace Smoking Policy (196 k)
Issued: 31-01-2005

Work related upper limb disorders, sometimes known as Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), can affect employees working in a wide range of industries. This video examines the causes of such disorders and, using actual case histories, the measures taken to reduce the risks. It also lists key areas to consider in assessing your workplace and outlines a simple approach to addressing the problem. This video is currently out of stock -  Please contact our information and Advice Centre to arrange a video loan.
Request the Video or Dvd of Work Related Upper Limb Disorders

The health of the people of Northern Ireland is one of the overarching priorities for Government and without question workplaces have an important role to play in contributing to the overall health of our community.
This is clearly recognised in our public health strategy, Investing for Health, which identified the workplace as a priority setting for tackling health issues and health inequalities.
Those in control of workplaces can undoubtedly make a huge difference to the health of their workers. They have the potential to support and promote good health in the workplace and there is no doubt that a good working environment has the potential to make people feel better and to increase their sense of wellbeing. This is the clear message throughout the workplace health strategy Working for Health, which has a vision to create a work culture that protects, promotes and supports health and wellbeing.
However, the challenge ahead of us should not be underestimated. Each year, as many as 70,000 people in Northern Ireland suffer from ill health which has been caused or made worse by work, resulting in the loss of 365,000 working days each year.
We must ensure that the skills base of our productive workforce is not further eroded. We must reduce the risk of people leaving the labour market due to work-related illness and we must provide effective rehabilitation to ensure that people who do become ill can return to work as soon as possible.
The very high sickness absence rates that presently exist in work sectors in Northern Ireland, particularly in the public sector, is of great concern to Government. Whilst absence due to work-related ill health is but one aspect of sickness absence, it is a significant aspect and, crucially, one that can clearly be tackled. This Working for Health Action Plan provides for the first time a concerted and joined up way of doing this.
I acknowledge the significant progress that has been made under Working for Health to date, particularly by the Implementation Group and the five Programme Action Teams. However, there is still a huge task ahead of us and I would encourage everyone who has a role to play, no matter how minor, to fully support this groundbreaking initiative. It is essential that we all start to wake up to the impact that poor workplace health can have on
all our lives and on the Northern Ireland economy as a whole. I commend this Action Plan to you and I look forward to seeing the successful delivery of the important actions contained within it.

Barry Gardiner, MP
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Download the Working for Health Action Plan 2004 - 2007 (795 k)
Issued: 14-10-2004

A sunny day makes most of us feel good, but too much sunlight can be hard on the skin. It is not simply sudden exposure while on holiday that is harmful. Even a tan that has been built up gradually can be harmful to health. A tan is a sign that the skin has been damaged.

The problem is caused by the ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight. People whose job keeps them outdoors for a long time could get more sun on their skin than is healthy for them. Such people can be at greater risk of skin cancer. This leaflet provides some basic information to help you protect yourself.
Download Care in the Sun (153 k)
Issued: 10-06-2003

Hazardous substances are not only used or produced in factories, they can be found in offices, shops, hotels etc.. They may be used directly in the workplace like paints and cleaning agents eg bleach, or they may arise from the work process itself in the forms of fumes and waste products. Contact with, or exposure to hazardous substances at work can result in discomfort, pain, time off work and even death eg skin irritation, dermatitis or skin cancer from frequent contact with oils. This leaflet contains a checklist that describes the steps that need to be taken to control the risks from hazardous substances present in the workplace.
Download The Control of Hazardous Substances - Safety Pays Information Sheet (33 k)
Issued: 10-06-2003

Display screen equipment (DSE) is generally safe, but if used incorrectly it can give rise to problems such as muscular strain injuries (in the neck, arms, hands and back), eye strain, headaches and general fatigue. The simple, but essential steps detailed in this leaflet should help prevent such symptoms being experienced by employees.
Download Safety in the Use of Display Screen Equipment (27 k)
Issued: 10-06-2003

Pesticides cover a wide range of products including weed-killers, insecticides, fungicides, wood preservatives and rodenticides. Unnecessary use or accidental release can put the health of humans, other creatures, plants and the environment at risk. This leaflet details simple but essential safety steps which ensure the safe storage and use of pesticides.
Download the Pesticides (Non Agricultural) - Safety Pays Information Sheet (19 k)
Issued: 10-06-2003

If you think you have been harmed by exposure to pesticides or veterinary medicines, or if you know of a case in which other people, animals or the environment have been harmed, you are obliged to report it. It is important to report the incident as quickly as possible. This leaflet tells you what to do and what happens after you have made a report. A form at the back of the leaflet sets out the information you are asked to give and also details the relevant authority to send it to or to contact if you want further information.
Download Reporting Incidents of Exposure to Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines (464 k)
Issued: 10-06-2003

Every year in Northern Ireland some 70,000 people suffer some form of work-related health problem, which prevents them doing their normal jobs. Many of these people will be out of work for very long periods and some will never return to the workplace.

The costs to society, employers and the individuals themselves is enormous - estimated to be in the region of £330 million per year.

Working for Health represents a commitment by Government Departments, District Councils, Employers, Trade Unions, Occupational Health Professionals and other key stakeholders to work in partnership to improve the standard of health in the workplace.

All parties will work together to:

The introduction of Working for Health is undoubtedly an important milestone. However, it is, only the start of a lengthy process which, over the coming years, will enable us to realise the strategies vision to create A work culture that protects, promotes and supports health and well being.
Download Working for Health (518 k)
Issued: 10-06-2003