“Driving and Striving for Safety” The Port of Cork Company takes action for Irish Port Safety Week

As part of an on-going commitment to a safe working environment, The Port of Cork Company (PoCC) is putting a spotlight on driver wellbeing and general port and workplace safety during Irish Port Safety Week. 

The Port authorities of Ireland have joined together through the Irish Ports Safety Forum

(IPSF) to host and promote the second annual Irish Port Safety Week, which is taking place this week from October 24th to 28th 2022. The Port of Cork Company is working closely with the Irish Ports Safety Forum to highlight and enhance collective safety responsibility and awareness among all port stakeholders.

The themes of this year’s Irish Port Safety Week include the awareness of port golden rules,

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) personal protective equipment (PPE), driving safely,

manual handling, well-being and water safety. An Ergonomics specialist has been working with the Port of Cork team on site throughout the year to identify any modifications that are needed to support a safer and more ergonomically efficient workplace at the port, specifically for operators of port equipment and those who maintain it.

The Chair of the Irish Ports Safety Forum, Safety & Quality Systems Manager at the Port of Cork Company, JoAnn Salmon, said: “Safety is always our top priority for people working in and around the port and quays, as well as for the general public. This week is an opportunity to work collaboratively with all of the team here at the Port of Cork, particularly machine operators, crane drivers and those who maintain this equipment, to improve safety, wellbeing and performance for all employees while working, as well as the general ongoing safety issues while working or visiting an operating port.”

Not only is this week Irish Port Safety Week, but it is also European Week for Safety and Health at Work. 

JoAnn added: ”One of the biggest causes of workplace injuries in the sector is Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), so we have invited a specialist in ergonomics who will consult with port employees on what support they need when working and analysing their individual working position. Our aim is to mitigate Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) for all of our employees, while also improving the overall safety of the port and quays for staff and the general public.” 

As outlined in the company’s Safety, Health, Environment, Energy & Quality Policy, PoCC strives to prevent work related injury and ill health to its workers, providing safe and healthy workplaces and recognising that efficient occupational health and safety arrangements enable staff to work smarter and less stressfully. Irish Port Safety Week is supported by the H.S.A. (Health and Safety Authority), who have various guidance and advice available to Port stakeholders on the H.S.A. website, www.HSA.ie.

To find out more about The Port of Cork Company, please visit www.portofcork.ie.