‘HUGS@HOME’ SUPPORT FOR FIRST RESPONDERS 
Family members, colleagues and close friends of first responders are now being guided on how best to provide support in the aftermath of difficult and stressful events on the frontline, under a new research project developed by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland that offers training in the elements of ‘Hearing, Understanding, Guiding and Supporting’ (HUGS) at home. RISE IN FRONTLINE ATTACKS PROMPTS NEW LEGISLATION TO COME INTO FORCE
The Justice Minister Simon Harris has proposed to amend legislation which will see the maximum sentence increased to 12 years for assaults on Gardaí and other emergency services workers. The move follows the recent steady rise in the number of assaults on members of the force. The Minister had introduced legislation earlier this year to allow for frontline Gardaí to use body-worn cameras. SAFETY AWARDS 2023 TO SHOWCASE BEST PRACTICE
The 32nd All-Ireland Occupational Health and Safety Awards, which will be presented at the NISO/NISG Safety Awards Ceremony in Killarney on Friday 13 October, will be a night to recognise and reward those companies who demonstrate the positive and proactive culture of safety management within their businesses. FOUR-DAY WEEK CAMPAIGN GATHERS MOMENTUM
Ireland is a leading proponent in the movement to promote the benefits of a four-day working week, and here Kevin Donoghue, Director of Campaigns at Fórsa and Chairperson of the ‘Four Day Week Ireland’ campaign updates ‘Health & Safety Times’ on developments. STAFF SUPPORTED TO BALANCE WORK WITH CARING ROLE
The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform has partnered with national charity Family Carers Ireland to provide a suite of practical supports and resources for those staff members who balance their workloads with caring responsibilities at home. ICTU AND IBEC UNITED AGAINST RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and business employers’ group Ibec marked this year's International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (21 March) with a joint statement to stand against racism and to promote inclusive workplace. ELECTRICAL SAFETY VIDEO FOR FARMERS ROLLED OUT
A new electrical safety video for Irish farmers has been developed by the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee that includes representatives from the ESB Networks, Health and Safety Authority, Teagasc, FBD Insurance, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the construction industry. BREAKING DOWN THE BARRIERS TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
New research from Webdoctor.ie, Ireland’s online GP service, has revealed that 75% of people in Ireland plan to improve their diet and nutrition this year, as 46% claim that a lack of time is the main factor making it difficult to manage their weight and enjoy a balanced lifestyle,