The Health & Safety Authority

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) was established in 1989 under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989 and reports to the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

Our core aims are to ensure that workers in Ireland, and anyone affected by work activity, return home safely to their families and that everyone is protected from the harmful effects of chemicals. We strive to make workplace safety, health and welfare an integral part of doing business in every workplace in modern Ireland.

Prevention and the principles of prevention are the cornerstone of our strategy and this is given effect across all our activities, from inspections through to policy formation, technical services, information and guidance. We are the lead National Competent Authority for a number of chemicals regulations including the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) Regulation and Seveso II Directive.

Our responsibility in this area is to protect human health (general public, consumers and workers) and the environment, to enhance competitiveness and innovation and ensure free movement of chemicals in the EU market.