Healthy,
safe and
productive lives
and enterprises

Health and Safety Authority publishes its three year strategy to protect Irish workers, contribute to productive enterprises and strengthen compliance

Thursday 5th December

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has today, December 5th, published its Strategy Statement 2025-2027. With a broad mandate promoting and enforcing work-related safety and health legislation, as well regulating chemicals and industrial products and providing the national accreditation service, the new strategy is designed to support competitiveness and the sustainability of Ireland’s economy.

The new strategy is published at a dynamic time for Irish workplaces, with rapid technological developments and an evolving workforce demographic that bring both new opportunities and risks. Through targeted inspections, industry partnerships, education and the development of expanded digital resources, the HSA aims to support workers and employers in fostering safe, compliant and productive work environments.

According to Conor O’Brien, CEO of the Health and Safety Authority,

“Our 2025-2027 Strategy Statement is a roadmap to a safer Ireland. It is a commitment to not only keep pace with the evolving workplace but to lead in protecting the wellbeing of our workforce, especially in high-risk sectors.”

He added,

“Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics, along with a growing gig economy, are reshaping Irish workplaces. In response, our strategy sets out a comprehensive framework that combines regulatory vigilance with a proactive focus on education, collaboration, and digital innovation.”

As part of its mandate, the HSA regulates the safe use of chemicals and oversees market surveillance for products within the EU. The strategy addresses the increasing importance of market surveillance, chemical safety, and the regulation of complex supply chains, ensuring safe practices for both workers and consumers. These initiatives protect not only workers but also the public and the environment, ensuring that chemicals and industrial products are safe and responsibly managed.

Through the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB), the HSA will also implement the Strategy for Accreditation 2022-2026 and deliver the vision for accreditation to be recognised as central in providing trust and confidence in Irish enterprise, trade, and public services.

As the workplace landscape evolves, so do the challenges and opportunities that businesses face. The HSA’s strategy responds to these shifts with an innovative, three-pronged approach that will guide the Authority’s work over the next three years.

Key Priorities of the HSA Strategy Statement 2025-2027

1. Build and Support Compliance

The HSA will implement targeted inspection and enforcement programmes to build a culture of compliance, collaboration and best practice. An emphasis will be placed on areas of greatest risk and on providing guidance and support to ensure all enterprises meet their safety obligations.

2. Influence, Educate, and Collaborate

With an increased emphasis on industry collaboration and influencing policy and legislation, the strategy highlights campaigns and partnerships with key stakeholders to ensure appropriate expertise is developed, risks within our remit are mitigated, and society is protected.

3. Organisational Excellence

Recognising the need for continuous improvement, the HSA is investing in expanding and equipping its workforce and upgrading its technological capabilities. An increased focus on data analysis and insights will support evidence-based decisions, track compliance trends, and target non-compliance more effectively.

Over the next three years, the Authority will continue to prioritise high-risk industries including agriculture, construction, and health and social care, addressing both longstanding hazards and emerging risks linked to modern technologies and work arrangements.

Patricia Byron, Chairperson of the HSA Board, emphasised the importance of this new strategy in adapting to Ireland’s changing workforce and safety landscape.

“With the increasingly complex challenges faced by industry, particularly in high-risk industries, this strategy positions the HSA to stay ahead of these changes,”

Ms. Byron said.

“In implementing our strategy, we will be ambitious and innovative, focusing on achieving tangible outcomes in occupational safety and health, accreditation, the regulation of chemicals and market surveillance.”

Copies of the HSA Strategy Statement 2025-2027 in English and Irish can be downloaded at the following links:

ENDS.