Company directors and senior managers could face prosecution for workplace health and safety offences, Ireland's Health and Safety Authority has warned.

That was the message at the launch of a new Health and Safety Authority publication 'Guidance for Directors and Senior Managers on their Responsibilities for Workplace Safety and Health' - at which directors and senior managers were strongly urged to prioritise safety and health management.

"The 2005 Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act marked a new departure for health and safety in the workplace." stated Martin O'Halloran, CEO of the Health and Safety Authority, Ireland. "An important element of that legislation is the new responsibilities it imposes on company directors and senior managers who can now be held personally responsible for organisational breaches of health and safety law. Anyone convicted for a serious breach of the legislation could face a fine of up to €3 million or two years imprisonment. These are significant changes."

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According to Mr O’Halloran: "Health and Safety in the workplace is a critical issue. So far this year 59 people have lost their lives in workplace accidents, with almost 6,000 non-fatal injuries reported to the Health and Safety Authority to date.

"Improving health and safety practices needs the input of senior management. Health and safety policy has to be embedded at the most senior levels of an organisation."

A nationwide advertising campaign incorporating press, radio and online elements will promote this guidance document and a significant media spend has been allocated to ensure the message is widely received.

Dr Peter Claffey, Health and Safety Authority Programme Manager, added: "These regulations apply to directors and senior managers of all organisations regardless of type or size. If you're a director or senior executive with any type of organisation you need to be aware of your responsibilities - that’s the key message we’re promoting."

(JM)