Workplace Health

Work related Ill health is preventable but we all know that it still continues. In April 2025 HSENI launched their Workplace Health campaign, which is aimed at driving the occupational health message home, raising awareness of the main workplace health concerns, the impact they can have, and the need for appropriate controls.

Some of the most significant workplace health risks arise from exposure to harmful substances, such as asbestos, silica, flour, and other dusts, along with chemicals, oils, gases and fumes, which are present in many workplaces.

Common ill health conditions include - 

Occupational Lung Disease (respiratory) – includes Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Asbestosis and Silicosis

Occupational Cancer – includes Mesothelioma (asbestos) and Asbestos-related lung cancer, Silica-related lung cancer and other work-related cancers to the lung or bladder.

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) – includes any injury or condition that affects bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves and causes pain, limited movement and disability.

Mental Ill Health – includes stress, depression and anxiety

Occupational diseases may also be complicated further by lifestyle factors including smoking, alcohol consumption, and genetics.

NISG closely monitors the latest workplace health statistics generated by the HSENI and others to see what focal areas of ill health need promoted to help understand the causes and the effects but also the mitigation and control measures that can be implemented.

NISG collaborate with the Workplace Health Leadership Group NI (WHLGNI) who are committed to raising the profile and ensuring that workplace occupational health is recognised as much as workplace occupational safety and to encourage employers to have a 'healthy' as well as a 'safe' culture.  For more details go to - https://www.whlgni.org.uk/

NISG also collaborate with The Building Mental Health Alliance, a Northern Ireland construction industry initiative aimed at creating better mental health for all in the sector. The organisation signpost mental health support information to those in the construction.

NISG actively promote awareness of ill-health conditions as topics in our group meetings and at our annual conference as well as exhibiting at a range of other events such as the HSENI Workplace Health conference and Balmoral Show.

For further information on promoting health matters or suggesting new topics, please contact NISG Secretary Nicola McCracken on info@nisg.org.uk.