The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has announced a major expansion of its Programme of Work for 2025, underlining a renewed focus on ensuring safer working environments across Ireland. With the number of workplace inspections set to rise from 10,000 to 11,000 this year—and a total of 11,900 inspections and assessments planned—businesses in high-risk sectors like construction must be more proactive than ever in meeting their safety obligations.
At Gravity, we view these developments not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to strengthen our safety-first culture and lead by example in the industry.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
According to the HSA, the 2025 programme will include:
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11,000 workplace inspections, up from 10,000 in 2024
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900 inspections under the Chemicals Act and the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road Regulations
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750 chemical product assessments, up from 250
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450 industrial product assessments, up from 325
This significant increase in enforcement activity is part of the Authority’s broader strategy to ensure that safety standards evolve alongside Ireland’s changing workplaces.
Key Focus Areas for 2025
The HSA’s inspections will continue to concentrate on high-risk sectors, including:
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Construction
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Quarries
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Manufacturing
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Waste and recycling
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Docks and ports
In addition to sector-specific efforts, several cross-sector campaigns will be launched, targeting critical hazards such as:
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Vehicle operations in the workplace
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Slips, trips, and falls
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Fire risk management
Occupational health will also receive increased attention, particularly in health and social care, agriculture, forestry, and fishing. Inspectors will examine how employers are managing exposure to chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic hazards.
Addressing Modern Workplace Risks
Beyond traditional safety risks, the HSA is also focused on addressing emerging challenges. These include indoor air quality, the safe installation of domestic solar panels, and the mental health and wellbeing of workers—areas that are becoming increasingly important across all sectors.
A Message from Our Managing Director
PJ Mooney, Managing Director of Gravity, underscores why these developments are so important:
“At Gravity, worker safety is not just a priority—it is a fundamental value. Every person on-site deserves to go home safely at the end of the day. With increased HSA inspections, now is the time for every contractor to reinforce best practices, ensure compliance, and create a culture where safety is at the forefront of every decision.”
Building a Safer Future, Together
We fully support the HSA’s proactive approach and remain committed to maintaining the highest safety standards on every project we undertake. As inspections become more targeted and risk-based, it’s essential for all industry players to step up and take accountability for creating safe, compliant working environments.
At Gravity, we’re not just complying with safety standards—we’re aiming to exceed them.
Is your site prepared for 2025? Now is the time to assess your safety processes, invest in training, and make sure your teams are ready.
