Healthy workplace legislation, policy and official guidance in  the Republic of Ireland

Keating, T.; McAvoy, H.; Institute of Public Health in Ireland

Healthy workplace legislation, policy and official guidance in the Republic of Ireland

Date

2017

Authors

Keating, T.

McAvoy, H.

Institute of Public Health in Ireland

Publisher

Institute of Public Health in Ireland

Abstract

This report provides an overview of the legislative and policy landscape in Ireland relevant to healthy workplaces. It is one of a suite of documents supporting the development of a Healthy Workplaces Framework as set out in Healthy Ireland (DH 2013). Other contributions to the Framework include a literature review of national and international research on healthy workplaces, consultation with stakeholders, a review of best practice in the workplace and accreditation models. Findings from this review will enable the Framework to build on existing high level policy priorities and legislation across a range of government and agency sectors whose remit includes workplace health.

Description

The aim of this report is to provide an overview of current legislation, policy and official guidance concerning promotion of the health and wellbeing of workers in Ireland. The focus is primarily on health promotion and wellbeing and not on protection or safety aspects1. Policies supporting job creation are also excluded as attention is placed on the current workplace environment. This report is intended to inform development of the Healthy Workplaces Framework by helping to ensure the Framework builds on existing policies and resources, thus minimising duplication of effort, and supporting a cross-government view by identifying policies from across a range of government departments and agencies that can potentially support or hinder the healthy workplaces agenda. The scope of this review does not extend to implementation of policy and legislation in the workplace setting nor does it consider their impact on health outcomes.

Keywords

Workplace, Employee safety, Legislation, Policy

Citation

Keating, T. McAvoy, H. (2017) Healthy workplace legislation, policy and official guidance in the Republic of Ireland – A report developed for the Healthy Workplaces Framework Steering Group by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland. Dublin: The Institute of Public Health in Ireland.