The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has officially released its Programme of Work for 2025, outlining key targets and inspection priorities that align with its 2025–2027 Strategy Statement.

If you’re a business owner, safety officer, HR manager, or in any compliance related role, these updates matter. The HSA’s ramped-up inspection plans and broader focus on workplace wellbeing mean proactive compliance is no longer optional.

What’s New in the HSA’s 2025 Programme of Work?

The HSA is planning a significant increase in regulatory activity across Irish workplaces. Here are the key figures:

Source: HSA Programme of Work 2025 (PDF) 

Inspection Focus Areas for 2025

The HSA is prioritising high-risk industries and hazardous work environments as part of its broader workplace safety strategy. Key areas of inspection include:

High-Risk Sectors:

• Construction

• Manufacturing

• Waste & Recycling

• Health and Social Care

• Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing

Focused Hazards:

• Chemical, biological, and physical agents

• Ergonomic risks & musculoskeletal disorders

• Slips, trips, and falls

• Fire safety

• Occupational cancers

• Psychosocial and cardiovascular health

Employee Wellbeing Is a Key Theme

Beyond physical safety, the HSA is also turning its attention to workplace health and wellbeing. There will be enhanced scrutiny of:

• Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

• Psychosocial risks, including stress and burnout

• Health surveillance and cardiovascular screening

💡 Tip: Ergonomic assessments and mental health strategies are now essential  not just nice to haves, under this broader HSA remit.

How to Prepare for an HSA Inspection in 2025

If your company is in one of the target sectors, it's critical to start preparing now. Here's a quick compliance checklist:

🔲 Up-to-Date Risk Assessments
Review all risk assessments annually — or whenever changes to work environments, tools, or processes occur.

🔲 Current Safety Statement
Your Safety Statement should reflect current working conditions and must be reviewed yearly. Ensure it's accessible and your team knows where to find it.

🔲 Health & Safety Documentation
Maintain records of risk controls, health monitoring, ergonomic assessments, training logs, and audit history.

🔲 Corrective Actions
Review your last HSA inspection (if applicable) and confirm all issues have been addressed.

🔲 Safety Management System
Ensure a formal system is in place that outlines procedures, responsibilities, and escalation protocols.

Don’t Forget Your Desk-Based Teams

While many organisations focus on frontline safety, office-based and hybrid workers often fall through the cracks. With ergonomic hazards and DSE (Display Screen Equipment) risks now under the microscope, it’s vital to address both.

We recommend:

• Regular ergonomic risk assessments (remote or in-person)

• Annual DSE evaluations

• Training for workstation setup and posture awareness
  
  
   Need help getting compliant fast? Get in touch with our ergonomics team for a free consult.