DETI shows support for waste industry safety day

Enterprise minister Arlene Foster welcomes inaugural Safety, Heath and Awareness Day in Northern Ireland

ENTERPRISE, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed the inaugural Safety, Health and Awareness Day (SHAD) which aims to improve safety standards in the waste industry.

Organized by the Waste Industry Safety & Health Forum for Northern Ireland (WISHNI), the event was supported by several organizations in association with the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI).

Speaking at the SHAD event, Ms Foster said: ‘As Northern Ireland’s waste and recycling industry continues to grow, so too does the potential for accidents within the sector. Working with businesses and other stakeholders through initiatives such as the Safety, Health and Awareness Day, we can help mitigate the risks involved and ensure that worker safety remains to the fore.

‘The event builds on the excellent work of WISHNI in encouraging businesses in the sector to provide proper training to employees and in helping to ensure that a culture of safety first and best practice is adopted across the industry.’

Professor Alan Woodside, chair of WISHNI, added: ‘Through practical demonstrations, waste industry managers have been able to observe firsthand the safety measures they need to put in place to ensure a safe working environment. They have also been provided with a key opportunity to engage directly with accredited training organizations.’

During the safety day, practical and informative demonstrations were offered and covered key areas of concern for those working within the waste industry including: vehicle all-round visibility; conveyor safety; fork lift truck daily inspection; working at height; and fire safety.