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Congratulations to London angler Darren Davis, the 2025 Ballinamore Festival Winner.

Darren made his marik early in the week, with a stand out 14kg catch on day 2 at the pumphouse, and continueed his strong form on one of the festivals tougher sections the following day. Darren takes home €1000 prize money and winners trophy generously donated by Irish Bait and Tackle Ltd. Strong performances by Simon Huthwaite and Rob Holt secured them second and third places, respectively, in a closely contested leaderboard. Shout out to all competitors for a fantastic week. Heere are the top 7 festival…

 

Head over to their Facebook Page to enter the competition to win a free spot!

Register here https://islandtheatre.ie/ballinamore-camino/

In today’s digital age, many employees spend hours in front of computers and other display screen equipment (DSE).

While technology enhances productivity, improper workstation setup and poor posture can lead to serious health issues, affecting both employee well-being and workplace efficiency. Understanding and implementing ergonomic principles is essential to creating a healthier and more productive work environment.

Why Ergonomics Matters

Ergonomics is the science of designing workplaces, products, and systems to fit the people who use them. A well-designed workstation 1. minimises discomfort, 2. reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and 3. enhances productivity. When it comes to DSE, poor ergonomics can lead to:

• Eye strain and headaches
• Neck, shoulder, and back pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)
• Fatigue and reduced concentration levels

Best Practices for Using Display Screen Equipment

To mitigate these risks, employers and employees should adopt best ergonomic practices when setting up and using DSE. The following points are suggestions only for a desktop computer. A DSE specific risk assessment should be carried out for each Display Screen equipment and its setup in conjunction with the workstation and chair.

1. Proper Screen Positioning

• The monitor should be at eye level to prevent neck strain. The top of the screen should be slightly below eye level.
• Position the screen at an arm’s length away (about 20-30 inches) to reduce eye fatigue.
• Adjust the screen tilt and brightness to minimize glare and reflections.

2. Keyboard and Mouse Placement

• Keep the keyboard and mouse close to the body to prevent overreaching.
• Ensure wrists are in a neutral position while typing to avoid strain.
• Use a wrist rest if needed, but avoid prolonged contact with hard surfaces.

3. Desk and Chair Setup

• Choose an adjustable chair that supports the lower back and promotes good posture.
• Feet should be flat on the floor or supported by a footrest.
• The desk should be at a comfortable height, allowing elbows to rest at a 90-degree angle.

4. Take Regular Breaks

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
• Stand up, stretch, and walk around every hour to improve circulation and reduce stiffness.
• Perform simple hand, wrist, and shoulder exercises to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

Legislation applicable to use of Display Screen Equipment

The relevant legislation in the Republic of Ireland is “The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work, (General Application) Regulations 2007″ with Chapter 5 of Part 2 outlining the requirements that must be adhered to in relation to Display Screen Equipment.

This legislation does not cover the use of laptops. As per the HSA (Health and Safety Authority) guidance on the regulations, “A laptop is not covered by these Regulations due to the fact that under these Regulations the keyboard shall be tiltable and separate from the screen so as to allow the user to find a comfortable working position which avoids fatigue in the arms or hands. A laptop does not have a separate keyboard and should not be used for long periods of time and a risk assessment must be carried out to assess the usage of the laptop and the set up of the temporary laptop workstation.”

As we all know, laptops are widely used. Our workforce is more mobile than ever and laptops are being used to work from home, work away from the office e.g. off site

Some workplaces are now encouraging workers to stand at a workstation when using a computer rather than sitting on a chair at a workstation. I-pads, tablets, mobile phones are all being used in the workplace as an IT tool or equipment. Without a doubt, the legislation is overdue a review.

In Northern Ireland the relevant legislation is “The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992″.

Please refer to the legislation itself for specific information on the use of display screen equipment. This post is not intended to be a legal interpretation of the requirements.

Employer Responsibilities and Compliance

Employers have a duty to ensure a safe and ergonomic work environment. This includes:

• Conducting DSE workstation assessments
• Providing employees with ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks, and screen stands
• Offering training on proper DSE usage and posture
• Encouraging a culture of workplace wellness

Conclusion

Ergonomics in the workplace is crucial for employee health, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.

By optimising DSE setups, businesses can prevent workplace-related injuries and enhance efficiency.

Prioritising ergonomic practices not only benefits employees but also reduces absenteeism and boosts overall company performance.

A well-structured, ergonomic workplace is an investment in long-term productivity and well-being. Let us help your business to start making changes today to create a healthier work environment for everyone!

The Importance of a Safety Management System and Continuous Review

Workplace safety is not just a legal requirement; it is a fundamental necessity for protecting employees, enhancing productivity, and maintaining a positive business reputation. A well-implemented Safety Management System (SMS) provides a structured approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating workplace hazards. However, simply having an SMS is not enough. To ensure its effectiveness, businesses must commit to continuously reviewing and improving their safety protocols.

What is a Safety Management System (SMS)?

A Safety Management System is a comprehensive framework that integrates policies, procedures, and practices to manage health and safety risks effectively. It typically includes:

• Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment – Recognizing potential dangers and evaluating the likelihood and impact of incidents.
• Safety Policies and Procedures – Establishing clear guidelines to promote a culture of safety.
• Training and Education – Ensuring employees are well-informed and competent in safety practices.
• Incident Reporting and Investigation – Encouraging transparency in reporting hazards and investigating root causes of incidents.
• Emergency Preparedness – Developing response plans for emergencies such as fires, chemical spills, or medical incidents.
• Regular Audits and Monitoring – Assessing compliance and identifying areas for improvement.

Why is Continuous Review Essential?

Workplace environments are dynamic, with evolving risks due to new processes, equipment, or workforce changes. Without ongoing evaluation, an SMS can quickly become outdated, increasing the risk of accidents and non-compliance. Here’s why continuous review is crucial:

1. Keeping Up with Regulatory Changes

Occupational health and safety Acts and regulations are updated to reflect new findings, technologies, and best practices. Regularly reviewing your SMS ensures compliance with the latest regulations, codes of practice, avoiding fines, legal action, and reputational damage.

2. Identifying and Mitigating Emerging Risks

New hazards can emerge due to workplace modifications, equipment upgrades, or changes in work procedures. Continuous assessment helps identify these risks early and implement preventive measures before they result in incidents.

3. Enhancing Employee Engagement and Safety Culture

Employees are more likely to engage with a safety program that evolves to meet their needs. By reviewing and improving safety protocols based on employee feedback, businesses foster a culture where workers feel valued and committed to workplace safety.

4. Improving Incident Response and Prevention

Every workplace incident provides valuable insights into potential safety gaps. Conducting post-incident reviews and adjusting the SMS accordingly helps prevent recurrence and ensures a proactive rather than reactive safety approach.

5. Boosting Productivity and Reducing Costs

A well-maintained SMS reduces workplace accidents, leading to fewer disruptions, lower insurance premiums, and decreased costs associated with lost work hours and compensation claims. Safe workplaces also boost employee morale and productivity.

Best Practices for Reviewing Your Safety Management System

To maintain an effective SMS, businesses should implement a structured review process. Here are key best practices:

• Schedule Regular Audits – Conduct internal and external audits periodically to assess system effectiveness and compliance.
• Encourage Employee Participation – Engage workers in safety discussions, gather feedback, and involve them in hazard identification.
• Analyze Incident Reports – Review past incidents to identify trends and improve preventive measures.
• Update Training Programs – Regularly update safety training to reflect new policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Utilize Technology – Implement digital tracking systems to streamline incident reporting, hazard assessments, and compliance monitoring.

Conclusion

A Safety Management System is an essential tool for protecting employees and ensuring compliance, but it must be actively maintained and improved. By committing to continuous review, businesses can stay ahead of emerging risks, foster a strong safety culture, and enhance overall workplace well-being. Investing in workplace safety isn’t just a regulatory obligation—it’s a commitment to the health, productivity, and success of your organization.

Ready to carry out a comprehensive review of your Safety management System? Contact us now to discuss our particular needs.

The Importance of a Safety Management System and Continuous Review

A Status Red Weather Warning has been issued for the entire country of Ireland by Met Eireann and the Met Office as a result of Storm Éowyn.

The Red alert will last for various times in various counties and it is important to keep up to date with the alerts as these times and locations may change over the next 24 hours.

What is the Storm Éowyn Status Red Weather Warning?

According to Met Eireann:

Red Storm Éowyn: Gale to storm force southerly winds becoming westerly with extreme, damaging and destructive gusts in excess of 130km/h

Impacts:

• Danger to life
• Extremely dangerous travelling conditions
• Unsafe working conditions
• Disruption and cancellations to transport
• Many fallen trees
• Significant and widespread power outages
• Impacts to communications networks
• Cancellation of event
• Structural damage
• Wave overtopping
• Coastal flooding in low-lying and exposed areas

Advice from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA)

With a Status Red Wind Warning from Met Eireann in place nationwide tomorrow, be extra vigilant if working outdoors.

Avoid working at height

Secure loose materials and equipment

Limit outdoor work

Where possible avoid outdoor work

Shelter in place

Stay away from coastal areas

Ensure mobile phone is charged to enable communication

Be aware of fallen live cables, stay away, and report to ESB Networks

Stay updated

If you MUST work outdoors

If outdoor work cannot be avoided, it is important to follow the 9 General Principles of Prevention which are as follows:

1. Avoid risks.
2. Evaluate unavoidable risks.
3. Combat risks at source.
4. Adapt work to the individual, especially the design of places of work
5. Adapt the place of work to technical progress.
6. Replace dangerous articles, substances, or systems of work by non-dangerous or less dangerous articles, substances, or systems
7. Use collective protective measures over individual measures
8. Develop an adequate prevention policy
9. Give appropriate training and instruction to employees.

It is important to carry out and record a risk assessment prior to commencing the work. A Method Statement may be required. A competent person must be in charge of the work. The risk assessment and Method Statement must be communicated to all workers and confirmed that they understand both documents.

It is absolutely vital that an Emergency Plan is also created and communicated to all those affected by the work. Communication systems may be affected by the storm as power outages are expected. Communication towers may also be damaged during the storm. Back up contingency plans must be prepared in advance of the onset of the Storm. Again, keep up to date with Weather Alerts issued by the recognised authorities.

Information on potential hazards are available at this link.

Keep the risk assessment and method statement under continuous review throughout the work process. If you feel it is unsafe to continue the work at any time, then STOP immediately. Ensure that all workers are safe and can take shelter in a safe place.

Remember that outdoor temperatures are low as we are still in the month of January, but clothing needs to allow for the body temperature to fluctuate e.g. the body will heat up when carrying out strenuous work tasks. If workers must stand down, but it is unsafe to travel back to base or their homes, it is important to have an adequate food and water supply, and if at all possible, a means of heating food and water, if it is estimated that sheltering time will be for a prolonged period.

Selection of workers for the task is important. Those who are experienced and are fit for the task should be selected above those who are not. Inclusion of one or more workers who are trained in first aid is an important factor also.

Emergency Contact Numbers should be included in the plan for the works.

If you need any assistance in preparing your plan, please contact us.

STAY SAFE!

All work and no play

All work and no play ………..
we all know this saying and how true it can be, but, “play” can also help reduce symptoms of work related stress.

If we have some hobbies and interests outside the workplace which we enjoy and can become totally immersed in, it can result in us getting some respite from the work related stress triggers such as interviews, investigations, safety audit, tight deadlines or whatever stressors there are in the workplace.

As a self employed Health and Safety Advisor, I have to practice what I preach! My hobbies and interests include writing, history, politics, heritage and genealogy.

I was delighted to be asked by the Irish Heritage News to write a shortened version of an article of mine which fits all of the above. The full version (10,000 words!), was published in the Breifne Journal 2023.

So, at the start of a new year, take some time to consider what you can do to help reduce symptoms of work related stress.

Irish Heritage News trial-of-glenade-land-league-secretary-brian-mcenroy-leitrim-1880-81 Article written by Geraldine McGovern

#BrianMcEnroy #IrishHeritageNews #LandLeague

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Safety Wise Advice Services would like to thank all of our Clients who worked with us during the year and all of you who enrolled on our Online PSCS Training Course.

We hope that each and every one of you has a safe and enjoyable holiday and we look forward to assisting you with your Health and Safety requirements in the workplace in 2025.

Is this PSCS course recognised by the Regulations?

We often get asked if our Online Management Duties of the PSCS course is recognised by the “Regulations”.

The answer is as follows:

Understanding Construction Safety Regulations

Part 2 Design and Management Section of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013, states that

Duties of clients, appointments of project supervisors

6. (1) Except as provided for in paragraph (5) a client shall appoint, in writing, for every project—
   (a) a competent project supervisor for the design process, and
   (b) a competent project supervisor for the construction stage,
   and the client shall obtain written confirmation of acceptance of each of the
   appointments

(7) Where a client appoints project supervisors, designers or contractors in relation to construction work on their domestic dwelling and not in the furtherance of a business, trade or undertaking, the project supervisors, designers or contractors must demonstrate to the client that they are competent and have
allocated or will allocate adequate resources to enable them to perform their duties imposed under these Regulations or under other relevant statutory provisions prior to any works commencing.

As highlighted, “competent” is the requirement for appointment as a PSCS (Project Supervisor Construction Stage). Competency can be a mixture and combination of

• skills in carrying out the role
• knowledge of carrying out the role
• awareness of what the role itself entails
• training in carrying out the duties of the PSCS and;
• experience in carrying out the role of the PSCS

Our Online Management Duties of the PSCS Training course gives you the training and knowledge that are required in order to carry out the role of Project Supervisor Construction Stage.

The relevant regulation of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Construction Regulations 2013

Is this PSCS course recognised by the HSA?

The HSA (Health and Safety Authority) is a regulatory body. It is not a training authority, it does not assess or regulate educational institutions and training programs. The Authority’s main legislative role is outlined in the table below.

Is this PSCS training course recognised by the CIF?

The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) is the Irish construction sector’s representative body. They provide a broad range of services that support companies of all sizes across construction in navigating the political, business, economic and regulatory environment.

It is not a training authority, it does not assess or regulate educational institutions and training programs.

Please contact us if you have any further queries.

#onlinepscstrainingcourse

I was delighted to sponsor part of the Cavan Autism Parents Support Group Summer Camp this year.

The full post can be seen on Facebook at this link https://fb.watch/w81Masf0GS/

“Our Summer, Halloween, and Easter camps are a big hit with both autistic children and adults, offering them a chance to have fun in a safe and supportive environment with our amazing volunteers. These camps also provide a valuable moment of respite for their families.

Cavan Autism Parents Support Group: Creating Safe Spaces for Families and Supportive Networks

With daily expenses for transportation, venue, and meals, running these camps can be quite costly.

A heartfelt thank you to all the generous local businesses listed at the end of this video that contributed to covering the costs of our summer and Halloween camps this year and for making it possible for us to continue supporting our autism community and their families.

This video offers a glimpse into just a couple of the fun-filled days from our Halloween camp this year!”

Cavan Autism Parents Support Group Summer Camp 2024

Contact us if you would like more information about this sponsorship.