The HSENI campaign, which was launched in April 2025, continues to raise the need for awareness of workplace health concerns, the impact they can have, and the need for appropriate controls.
With figures estimating that past workplace exposures to dusts, fumes and gases amongst other harmful substances could be resulting in over 300 people dying each year in Northern Ireland, the initiative illustrates how serious the issue is and the need for awareness of work-related health in all workplaces. Analysis also estimates a societal cost to Northern Ireland running into hundreds of millions of pounds per year.
In this new multi-media phase of the Workplace Health Campaign, HSENI urges employers and employees to recognise and manage the risk to health in workplaces, approaching it the same way as the more familiar safety risk. The TV adverts focus on the prevention of three priority occupational health risks – occupational lung diseases, occupational cancers and musculoskeletal disorders.
Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, said the advertising initiative sends a clear message to all employers that work-related illnesses are unacceptable and preventable.
“Work should never come at the expense of health or life. Yet each year, many people continue to develop serious, life-changing conditions because workplace risks are not always identified or managed effectively.
“Tragically, more than 300 people are estimated to die annually from work related illnesses. Thousands more experience health problems linked to their jobs, with an annual cost of more than £390m to our society.”
The Minister continued: “This campaign highlights the importance of recognising and addressing workplace health risks. By encouraging open conversation and greater awareness we can help ensure that good jobs support both safety and wellbeing, strengthening our workforce, communities and the economy.”
Robert Kidd, Chief Executive of HSENI, said he hoped the initiative would create greater awareness amongst employers and workers of what is a very real issue in Northern Ireland workplaces.
“Too often, serious ill health develops because risks are not identified or adequately controlled – yet prevention is always better than cure, and simple, practical changes at work can prevent lifelong harm and dramatically improve quality of life.
“Everyone has the legal right to return home with their health protected, not just their safety. With this advertising initiative we hope we can reach more employers, share clear and practical guidance, and drive real, lasting improvements in preventing work-related ill health. No one should get ill because of a job choice. The legal requirement to protect health in the workplace is the same as safety.”
The advertising initiative, running on TV, radio, newspapers, social media channels as well as outdoor advertising including buses, is underpinned by the findings from HSENI’s ‘Workplace Health Statistics and Analysis for Northern Ireland 2025’ publication.
