OHSS

18/10/2026

If your employees are working around dust, fumes, gases or other airborne hazards, you may be wondering whether they need respiratory protective equipment (RPE).

The obvious answer might seem to be: give everyone a mask.

But it isn't quite that simple.

RPE is an important form of personal protective equipment, but it shouldn't be the first solution to a respiratory hazard.

The first question should be: can the exposure be controlled at source?

RPE Shouldn't Be the First Solution
Respiratory protective equipment protects the person wearing it from breathing in hazardous substances.

But it doesn't remove the hazard from the workplace.

Before relying on RPE, employers should look at whether the hazard can be eliminated, whether a safer substance or process can be used, and whether engineering or other controls can reduce the exposure.

Could the process be enclosed? Could ventilation be improved? Could the way the work is carried out be changed?

If the exposure cannot be adequately controlled through other reasonably practicable measures, RPE may then be required.

So, putting on a respirator shouldn't be a substitute for dealing with the source of the problem.

When is respiratory protective equipment required at work? Find out when RPE should be used, why fit testing matters and how OHSS can help.

18/10/2026

Construction sites are busy places, with workers, contractors, vehicles, machinery and building materials all operating in the same area.

But construction sites can also create risks for people who aren't working there.

An unfinished building, open excavation or area of construction activity can be dangerous if people who shouldn't be there are able to gain access. This is particularly important when a site is beside houses, schools, footpaths, roads or other areas where people are nearby.

This is why managing access to a construction site is an important part of managing health and safety.

Construction sites can create risks for workers and the public. Find out how managing access, barriers and other hazards can help keep Irish construction sites safe.

06/10/2026

🚨 We’re Hiring! | Asbestos Surveyor/Analyst
OHSS is looking for an Asbestos Surveyor/Analyst to join our team and help deliver high standards in health, safety and environmental consultancy.
Know someone who might be interested? 👇
Share this opportunity with them!
👉 Apply here https://lnkd.in/dXwDuJgJ

06/10/2026

Asbestos may have been banned from use in Ireland many years ago, but it hasn't disappeared. It's still sitting inside older homes, offices, factories, schools and other buildings across the country. If you're planning renovation, maintenance or demolition work, don't assume that asbestos isn't there simply because you can't see it.

If you suspect asbestos may be present, STOP before carrying out any work that could disturb it and get professional advice. At OHSS, we've been protecting Irish businesses against the dangers of asbestos since 2001. If you need an asbestos survey, risk assessment, air monitoring or advice on asbestos removal, call us today on (01)6905907 or visit www.ohss.ie to find out more about our services.

Find out more: www.ohss.ie

Asbestos may have been banned from use in Ireland many years ago, b...

29/09/2026

Construction sites are busy places, with workers, contractors, vehicles, machinery and building materials all operating in the same area.

But construction sites can also create risks for people who aren't working there.

An unfinished building, open excavation or area of construction activity can be dangerous if people who shouldn't be there are able to gain access. This is particularly important when a site is beside houses, schools, footpaths, roads or other areas where people are nearby.

This is why managing access to a construction site is an important part of managing health and safety.
https://www.ohss.ie/blog/construction-site-safety-managing-access-and-protecting-the-public

29/09/2026

If your employees are working around dust, fumes, gases or other airborne hazards, you may be wondering whether they need respiratory protective equipment (RPE).

The obvious answer might seem to be: give everyone a mask.

But it isn't quite that simple.

RPE is an important form of personal protective equipment, but it shouldn't be the first solution to a respiratory hazard.

The first question should be: can the exposure be controlled at source?
https://www.ohss.ie/blog/when-is-respiratory-protective-equipment-rpe-required-

22/09/2026

What a Safety Statement is
Why it is required under Irish health and safety law
The difference between a Risk Assessment and a Safety Statement
How a Safety Statement helps protect employees and your business
Who needs a Safety Statement in Ireland

A Safety Statement is built upon a comprehensive workplace risk assessment. It identifies workplace hazards, evaluates the risks they present, and outlines the control measures your organisation has in place to reduce or eliminate those risks. It also defines responsibilities and explains how these safety measures are monitored and maintained.

Whether you're a small business owner, employer, or health and safety manager, understanding your legal responsibilities is essential for maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.

For professional health and safety consultancy and Safety Statement services across Ireland, visit www.ohss.ie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOlkF1RZEUM

09/09/2026

🦺 Preventing Slips, Trips & Falls at Work

Slips, trips and falls are among the most common workplace accidents — but many are preventable with simple, consistent safety measures.

A safer workplace starts with everyday actions:

✅ Maintain good housekeeping standards
✅ Keep walkways and traffic routes clear
✅ Repair damaged flooring, steps and walking surfaces promptly
✅ Ensure adequate lighting in all work areas
✅ Provide suitable slip-resistant footwear where required

👷‍♀️👷‍♂️ Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Taking a few minutes to identify and address hazards can help prevent injuries and keep your team safe.

At OHSS, we help businesses identify workplace risks and put practical safety measures in place.

👉 Visit www.ohss.ie to learn more about workplace health & safety.

03/09/2026

Asbestos was used extensively in construction for many years because
it was strong, durable and resistant to heat and fire. It can still be
found in older buildings across Ireland, in everything from roofing
materials and insulation to floor coverings, ceilings and pipe
lagging.

If asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and left
undisturbed, they may not present an immediate risk.

The problems start when someone begins working on them.

Drilling, cutting, sanding, breaking or removing asbestos-containing
materials can release fibres into the air. This is why construction,
maintenance, renovation and demolition work can all create a risk of
asbestos exposure.

And the worrying thing is that you may not even realise you're
disturbing asbestos until you've already started the work.
https://www.ohss.ie/blog/asbestos-when-should-you-worry-

26/08/2026

If you’re planning to make your home more energy efficient this year, be aware that you could come across asbestos-containing materials in older properties.

Loft or attic spaces can be home to old circuit boards, pipes, boilers, water tanks and insulation that contain asbestos fibres.

https://lnkd.in/dehzas3