HSENI and Causeway Coast and Glens council join forces to tackle work-related ill health
Date published:
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has partnered with the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) to help promote the importance of tackling major causes of work-related ill health with the aim of protecting workers’ 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 Mayor Cllr Oliver McMullan, 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, welcomed the council’s support, noting that collaboration will help reach more employers, share guidance and promote healthier, 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 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 the Mayor and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough 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.
Mayor Cllr Oliver McMullan said: “Investing in workplace health is not just about compliance—it’s about valuing people. Healthy employees are more productive, engaged and contribute to stronger businesses and communities. By working together, we can create safer environments that prevent illness and improve quality of life for everyone.
“A healthy workforce is vital for a strong community and economy. We urge employers to engage with HSENI’s campaign and use the resources available. Prevention is always better than cure,” 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 visit Workplace Health | Health and Safety Executive
Notes to editors :
- The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) the lead body responsible for the promotion and enforcement of health and safety at work standards in Northern Ireland.
- It is an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body, sponsored by the Department for the Economy (DfE).
- HSENI’s Workplace Health Campaign for 2025/26 pays focus to:
- Occupational lung diseases - https://www.hseni.gov.uk/topics/occupational-lung-disease
- Occupational cancers - https://www.hseni.gov.uk/topics/occupational-cancers
- Work-related mental wellbeing - https://www.hseni.gov.uk/topics/mental-well-being-work
- Musculoskeletal disorders - https://www.hseni.gov.uk/topics/musculoskeletal-disorders
- HSENI and the Department for the Economy have sourced and analysed data from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke, amongst others to establish an overview of work-related illness specific to Northern Ireland. Where there is a lack of available data for work-related illness in Northern Ireland, Great Britain (GB) data has been used to estimate figures. All estimates should be treated with caution.
- HSENI Workplace Health Statistics and Analysis for Northern Ireland 2025 publication can be found at HSENI Workplace Health Statistics and Analysis booklet | Health and Safety Executive
- For media enquiries please contact HSENI Press Office on 028 9024 3249 or email media@hseni.gov.uk. For out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer on 028 9037 8110.
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