The 13th International Scientific Conference of the International Occupational Hygiene Association (IOHA) will be held in Dublin, Ireland on June 9-13, 2024. In this newsletter, OHTA shares some interesting facts about this beautiful country and the occupational hygiene community there. For more information on the conference and to book your place, please visit https://www.ioha.net/13th-ioha-international-scientific-conference/
WORKPLACES IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
The Republic of Ireland is an island nation to the northwest of continental Europe and is a member of the European Union. As of 2024, the population is approximately 5 million. After decades of economic hardship, Ireland experienced tremendous economic growth from the mid-1990’s to 2007 in a period known as the Celtic Tiger. The economic growth was due to a number of factors including a workforce that was well-educated and English-speaking. In addition, favorable tax policies enticed many multinational corporations such as Dell, Intel, Microsoft, and Google to invest heavily in Ireland. (https://www.statista.com/markets/422/topic/510/ireland/)
Manufacturing is highly advanced and focused on pharmaceuticals, information and communications technology, automation, sustainability, and artificial intelligence.
Software Engineering is being driven by the increase in cloud computing, big data, and internet of things.
Aerospace Industry is growing due to the demand for sustainability in aircraft design and reduction of emissions while improving fuel efficiency.
Medical Device Industry is a significant contributor to the country’s economy and has been fueled by the demand for medical devices such as ventilators during the pandemic as well as innovations in telemedicine and remote patient monitoring.
Renewable Energy is a growth industry in Ireland with the country’s goal to generate 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN IRELAND
REGULATIONS-The Health and Safety Authority (HAS) is the national statutory body with the responsibility of ensuring workers of Ireland are protected from work injury and ill-health. The Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work Act of 2005 specifies the rights and obligations of both employers and employees along with fines for any breaches of the law. It also includes Protective and Preventive Measures such as hazard identification and risk assessment. https://www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/managing_health_and_safety/safety,_health_and_welfare_at_work_act_2005/
OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS-Data on the Incidence of Work-related ill health as reported to Health and Occupational Research (THOR) network between 2005 and 2019 is at https://www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/illness_reports/roi_thor_2020_annual_report.pdf The findings indicate that the main concerns were mental health issues along with musculoskeletal, respiratory, and dermatological diseases.
NATIONAL OH ASSOCIATION-The Occupational Hygiene Society of Ireland (https://www.ohireland.org/) was formed in 1986. Its membership comprises a broad interest group including occupational hygienists, occupational physicians, scientists and occupational health and safety practitioners. The Society provides a consultative forum for the exchange of information and ideas for the control of occupational ill health and is a member of IOHA. They have 12 Council Members including Shara Smith (President) and Claire Tully (Vice President).
SPOTLIGHT ON LEADERS IN IRELAND
Shara Smith is the President of the Occupational Hygiene Society of Ireland (OHSI) and works as an inspector with the Health and Safety Authority, Ireland.
Claire Tully is the Vice President of the OHSI and works as a Safety Officer and Occupational Hygienist with Boliden Mines Safety, Sweden.
Dr. Alison Connolly is an Assistant Professor at University College Dublin which is currently ranked within the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide. Dr. Connolly is also the Chair of the IOHA 2024 Scientific Committee.
Nuala Flavin is a Past-President of OHSI and an active working member of IOHA.
OHTA IN IRELAND
OHTA has approved trainers in Ireland that offer a range of OHTA courses:
-Prasanth Kondragunta at International Safety Systems Inc at https://issehs.com/
ENJOY THE IOHA CONFERENCE
OHTA hopes that many occupational hygienists will attend the IOHA Conference in June and enjoy all that Ireland has to offer from Irish music and dancing, emerald landscapes, friendly people, and the national drink, Guiness!
The 13th International Scientific Conference of the International Occupational Hygiene Association (IOHA) will be held in Dublin, Ireland on June 9-13, 2024. In this newsletter, OHTA shares some interesting facts about this beautiful country and the occupational hygiene community there. For more information on the conference and to book your place, please visit 
