Health and safety has become one of the most important issues for the workplace environment, and not just because of the challenges posed by the recent pandemic. Over the last few decades, both workers and management have become increasingly aware of how important it has been to radically transform workplace culture in light of health and safety concerns.
One of the most persistent challenges is avoiding complacency and doing everything possible to keep safety as a top priority. And that requires buy-in across the entire organisation.
So it is only right that all of that hard work and effort should be acknowledged and celebrated. This is the second time that these annual Awards have been held, and once again the winners were announced at a virtual ceremony in front of a live digital audience, which took place on Thursday, July 29th. The event was presided over by the broadcaster and comedian Colm O'Regan.
There were 12 trophies presented on the day, and one of the deserving winners was the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, who won the Health & Safety Excellence Award, Public Sector, for their fire emergency preparedness. Leona Wallace, their health and safety manager, said; “2020 and 2021 were particularly challenging years for the healthcare sector. The Mater Hospital is delighted to receive this award in recognition of the work and dedication of all the staff in maintaining a safe work environment for our staff and patients.”
Another of the winners was Matthew O’Dowd, who won the Health & Safety Manager of the Year Award. Darragh Elliott, managing director at the Elliott Group, said; “We are delighted that Matthew has won the Health & Safety Manager of the Year Award. Matthew has made a massive impact on our business and continues to do so. His practical approach and team spirit are what sets him apart from the rest.”
The Health & Safety Excellence Awards is already planning ahead to 2022 and welcoming all participants to an in-person event to celebrate the ongoing achievements across this vital business function. Stay posted for more updates.
The full list of the 2021 winners are as follows:
Health & Safety Excellence Grand Prix
Winner: Danone
Health & Safety Team of the Year
Winner: ISS Ireland
Health & Safety Team of the Year - SME
Winner: mac group
Health & Safety Excellence Award - Pharmachem
Winner: AbbVie in Ireland
Health & Safety Excellence Award - Construction
Winner: P&D Lydon
Health & Safety Excellence Award - Facilities Management
Winner: Sodexo
Health & Safety Excellence Award - Utilities
Winner: Gas Networks Ireland
Health & Safety Excellence Award - Warehousing
Winner: LMC Modular
Health & Safety Excellence Award - Food & Drink Manufacturing
Winner: Danone
Health & Safety Excellence Award - Hotel & Leisure
Winner: The iNUA Collection
Health & Safety Excellence Award - Public Sector
Winner: Fire Emergency Preparedness - Mater Misericordiae University Hospital
Health & Safety Manager of the Year
Winner: Matthew O'Dowd - Elliott Group
The full list of the 2021 judging panel is:
- Rafael Bernardes, Quality and Continuous Improvement manager, Dublin Bus
- Dr. Conor Buggy, assistant professor of Occupational and Environmental Studies, UCD Centre for Safety and Health at Work
- Ian Farrell, group director of Engineering, Risk & Facilities, O'Callaghan Collection
- Dr. Michael Gillen, senior executive, BioPharmaChem Ireland
- Katie McElvaney, safety manager, SK biotek Ireland
- Reddy Morley, head of Rail Safety & Occupational Health and Safety, Transport Infrastructure Ireland
- Eddie Ronayne, safety advisor, Cork County Council
- Dr. Penpatra Sripaiboonkij, lecturer/assistant professor, University College Dublin
Find out more about the Health & Safety Excellence Awards – www.hsawards.ie
