HSE NI Launch Food Production Inspection Campaign

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has launched a targeted campaign to improve workplace health standards in the agri-food sector. This initiative involves a series of advisory and inspection visits to food production businesses, with a strong emphasis on tackling key health issues that affect workers in this vital industry.

Campaign Overview

HSENI’s campaign is designed to address a range of health concerns commonly found in food production environments. Inspectors are focusing on:

• Stress management
• Lung health
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Other sector-specific health risks

The campaign aims to raise awareness, promote best practices, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. By working directly with employers and employees, HSENI hopes to foster a culture of prevention and continuous improvement across the agri-food sector.

Managing Hazardous Substances in Food Production

A crucial part of the campaign is helping businesses manage hazardous substances effectively. Here’s a quick summary of best practices:

• Identification: Clearly identify all hazardous substances present in the workplace, such as cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, and food additives.
• Risk Assessment: Carry out thorough risk assessments to understand how these substances could impact health and safety.
• Control Measures: Put in place appropriate controls, such as local exhaust ventilation, safe storage, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Monitoring: Regularly monitor exposure levels and review the effectiveness of control measures.
• Training: Ensure all staff receive training on the risks and safe handling of hazardous substances.

By following these steps, food production businesses can significantly reduce the risk of harm to their workforce and comply with legal requirements.

If you have any questions or would like support with managing issues at your workplace, please speak to your usual contact or get in touch using the form below.