Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has met with Keith Morrison, who has recently been appointed Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI).

The Minister said: "A healthy workforce is integral to Northern Ireland’s social and economic wellbeing and the work of HSENI is therefore vital as we seek to minimise health and safety risks in the work place.

"Keith brings a range of skills and experience that will help drive HSENI forward as it delivers against the challenging targets outlined in its corporate plan.

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"Sadly, we have had too many reminders of how dangerous the workplace can be, particularly on farms. It is vitally important that we take a proactive approach to increasing health and safety awareness among farmers and I am fully supportive of the work HSENI is undertaking in this area."

Mr Morrison said: "I'm absolutely delighted to join HSENI and I look forward to working with Minister Foster and her Department to develop our important role in promoting and enforcing health and safety at work standards in Northern Ireland.

"The health and safety of our workforce is vital for the overall economic and social well being of our community. It is vital that everyone plays their part and I am therefore keen to build on our effective relations with industry, employers and employees, and with our partners in the district councils, to take forward our shared responsibility for health and safety."

(CD/GK)