NI Economy Minister calls on workers to ‘Drive Danger Out’
How a few simple steps and checks can help reduce deaths and injury when driving vehicles in the workplace
FOLLOWING simple steps and checks when driving vehicles in the workplace can help reduce deaths and injury at work. That was the message as Economy Minister Conor Murphy endorsed the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) ‘Drive Danger Out’ campaign at an event at Stormont on Monday.
Since 2012, 36 workers have lost their lives in incidents involving workplace vehicles, with more than 160 having been seriously injured.
Drive Danger Out was launched last year by the HSENI to promote its ongoing inspection programme aimed at reducing the number of people killed or injured as a result of incidents involving workplace transport. The awareness campaign, which included television and radio advertising, visited every council area in Northern Ireland with a mobile billboard to promote the need to be safety conscious when driving vehicles for work.
The campaign also featured social media videos from comedian Colin Geddis, which targeted younger people, such as apprentices, to promote awareness of the risks associated with workplace transport, and urged extra care and attention whether in a quarry, on construction site, or at a factory, farm or any other workplace.
Speaking at Monday’s event in the Parliament Buildings, Economy Minister Conor Murphy said ‘The safety of workers is paramount. My Department has adopted the Carnegie definition of a Good Job. It recognizes that a Good Job is a Safe Job; one where workers are protected and safe in their environment. ‘Drive Danger Out’ is a very effective campaign. It supports the Good Jobs agenda which is key to my Department’s vision, and which has been adopted by the Executive in its draft Programme for Government published today.’
HSENI chief executive Robert Kidd said: ‘With this campaign, we want everyone driving for work or who may be working around vehicles to stop and think about what they are doing. The Safe Site, Safe Vehicle and Safe Driver messages highlight the need to ensure that everything around you, everything in your vehicle, and all your actions are set to avoid incidents or accidents. We are delighted that the Minister and so many industry representatives are onboard with this and are supporting HSENI to Drive Danger Out.’
As well as the Economy Minister, the campaign has been endorsed by a range of industry representative bodies, including the Mineral Products Association Northern Ireland (MPANI).
To support employers, advice and guidance, along with inspection proformas detailing key aspects of workplace transport safety for each industry, are available by clicking here.
