New campaign aims to help reduce deaths from work-related illnesses

An estimated 300 people in Northern Ireland die each year from work-related illnesses.

The Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) has launched a new TV and multimedia initiative raising awareness of the potential workplace dangers to health.

It says figures suggest that past workplace exposures to dusts, fumes and gases, amongst other harmful substances, result in more than 300 deaths a year.

The HSENI’s Workplace Health Statistics and Analysis for Northern Ireland 2025 publication estimated there were 110 deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to work in 2023.

It contends that 6,400 people suffered from work-related COPD in 2023, and 15 asbestosis-related deaths were registered in 2022.

It also estimates around 200 deaths a year could be attributable to occupational cancers. These include 47 deaths from mesothelioma, 47 from asbestos-related lung cancers and 20 lung cancer deaths due to exposure to silica dust at work.

Another 80 work-related cancer deaths were linked to exposure to cancer-causing agents such as diesel engine exhaust emissions (15), mineral oils (15), and other (50).

Meanwhile, other work-related illnesses included 18,000 people suffering from musculoskeletal disorder (MSD), 15,000 people suffering from stress, depression, or anxiety and 4,000 people suffering from illnesses other than stress, depression or anxiety such as skin conditions and hearing loss.

The HSENI’s workplace health campaign previously called for awareness of workplace health concerns, the impact they can have, and the need for appropriate controls.

The new campaign urges employers and employees to recognise and manage the risk to health in workplaces, approaching it in the same way as the safety risk.

Stormont Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said it 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,” she said.

“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 £390 million to our society.

“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 advertising initiative would create greater awareness amongst employers and workers.

“We are urging employers of every size to actively engage with this workplace health campaign,” he said.

“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.”

He added: “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 as a result of a job choice. The legal requirement to protect health in the workplace is the same as safety.”