Safety Matters

📚 Looking to keep your team trained, prepared and safety-focused?

We have a range of in-house training courses available, designed to give your team the practical knowledge and skills they need to respond confidently in the workplace.

Some of our upcoming courses include:

🚑 Emergency First Aid Training Course
🤝 Manual & Patient Handling
🩺 FAR – Blended (Full Course)
⛑️ First Aid Responder Refresher
📖 FAR – Blended Learning Refresher Course

Whether you’re looking to train your team in essential first aid, improve safe handling practices, or keep existing qualifications up to date, we have training options to suit your needs.

📅 Book your in-house course today:
safetymatters.ie/inhouse-courses
💻 Prefer to learn online? Take a look at our range of online courses and find the training that works for you and your team.

Invest in your people. Invest in safety.

📢 September 28 | International Day for Universal Access to Information

Access to the right information at the right time can make all the difference — especially when it comes to health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace.

For safety to be effective, people need clear, accurate and accessible information. From understanding safety procedures and emergency plans to knowing how to report hazards and raise concerns, everyone should have the information they need to make informed decisions and stay safe.

🔹 Clear communication
🔹 Accessible safety guidance
🔹 Transparent reporting
🔹 Empowered employees

This International Day for Universal Access to Information, let’s recognise that access to information is an essential part of building safer, more informed and more resilient workplaces.

Because when people have the knowledge they need, they are better equipped to identify risks, prevent incidents and protect one another.

🧪 CHEMICAL SAFETY & SAFE USE OF PESTICIDES TRAINING 🦺

⚠️ Do you use chemicals or pesticides at work?

Make sure you know the risks, understand the labels and use chemicals safely.

💻 ONLINE COURSE – BOOK NOW!

Our practical training covers:

✅ Chemical hazards & health effects
✅ Hazard symbols & warning labels
✅ Routes of chemical exposure
✅ Safe handling & storage
✅ PPE & emergency procedures
✅ Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
✅ Safe use of pesticides
✅ Knapsack sprayer use & maintenance
✅ Chemical dilution calculations
✅ Safe disposal of unused chemicals
✅ Recognising suitable spraying conditions

👷 Ideal for:
🌳 Outdoor & indoor maintenance
🧹 Cleaners
🚜 Farmers
🏢 Anyone using chemicals in the workplace

🎯 Learn the risks. Work safely. Protect yourself and others.

📅 ONLINE COURSE – https://safetymatters.ie/online-courses/chemical-safety-awareness-training/

📩 Contact us today to reserve your place.

🌍 September 16 | World Ozone Day 💙

Protecting the ozone layer means protecting people, workplaces, and our planet.

The ozone layer plays a vital role in shielding us from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. For a health and safety company, this day is an important reminder that environmental protection and occupational health go hand in hand.

A few simple ways to promote health and safety:

🧴 Encourage appropriate sun protection for employees working outdoors — sunscreen, protective clothing, hats and UV-rated eyewear.

🕶️ Reduce unnecessary exposure to strong UV radiation, particularly during peak sunlight hours.

🏗️ Include UV exposure in risk assessments for outdoor workers.

💧 Encourage regular hydration and rest breaks when working in hot, sunny conditions.

♻️ Choose environmentally responsible products and practices that help reduce the release of harmful substances.

📚 Keep employees informed about UV risks, heat exposure and practical protective measures.

A safer workplace is also a more sustainable workplace.

This World Ozone Day, let’s continue taking action to protect our people, our environment and the future we share. 🌱

🌧️ AUTUMN VISIBILITY: MAKE SURE YOU CAN BE SEEN

As the days get shorter and the weather becomes more changeable, visibility on the roads can become a safety concern.

Whether you're walking, cycling or driving, take extra care:

🚶 Walking: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially in low light.

🚲 Cycling: Make sure your front and rear lights are working and use reflective gear.

🚗 Driving: Keep your windscreen, mirrors and lights clean, and slow down when visibility is poor.

🌧️ In wet weather: Allow extra stopping distance and be alert for pedestrians and cyclists who may be harder to see.

💡 Remember: Being visible gives everyone more time to see, react and stay safe.

Shorter days are coming — make sure you can be seen. 🇮🇪

Back to Work: Look After Your Mental Health

September can feel like a fresh start, but getting back into work, school and everyday routines can also bring extra stress.

Take a moment to look after your wellbeing:

🌿 Ease back into your routine – You don't have to do everything at once.

⏰ Set healthy boundaries – Make time for life outside work.

😴 Prioritise sleep and recovery – Rest is an important part of staying well.

☕ Take proper breaks – Step away, recharge and give your mind a chance to reset.

💬 Check in with colleagues – A simple “How are you doing?” can make a difference.

❤️ Remember: Looking after your mental health is part of looking after your overall health.

If you're finding things difficult, don't be afraid to talk to someone you trust or seek professional support.

A healthy routine isn't about doing more — it's about finding a balance that works for you.

🎒 Back to School. Back to Routine. Back to Safety.

As schools return, many of us are adjusting to earlier mornings, busier roads and new daily routines.

A change in routine can lead to distractions, fatigue and rushing—all of which increase the risk of workplace accidents.

This September, remember to:
✔ Allow extra travel time.
✔ Stay alert on the roads, especially near schools and pedestrian crossings.
✔ Avoid rushing into tasks.
✔ Take a moment to refocus before starting work.
✔ Look out for colleagues who may also be adjusting to new routines.

A safe day starts long before you arrive at work.

Slow down. Stay focused. Stay safe.

🚨 Emergency Contacts: Know Who to Call in Ireland

In an emergency, knowing the right number can make all the difference.

📞 112 or 999 – For urgent emergencies requiring Gardaí, ambulance, fire service or other emergency assistance.

👮 Gardaí (non-emergency) – Contact your local Garda station for non-urgent matters.

🏥 GP / Out-of-hours GP – For medical issues that are urgent but not life-threatening, contact your GP or local out-of-hours GP service.

☎️ HSE Live: 1800 700 700 – For information about health services and accessing healthcare.

💡 Remember: If someone is seriously injured, unconscious, having difficulty breathing, experiencing chest pain, or you believe their life is at risk, call 112 or 999 immediately.

📍Save important numbers in your phone and make sure children and family members know what to do in an emergency.

Be prepared. Stay calm. Know who to call. 🇮🇪

🌹 Rose of Tralee Festival – Stay Safe & Enjoy the Celebrations! 🇮🇪

The Rose of Tralee Festival is a fantastic celebration of community, culture and fun — but whether you're attending the events, travelling to Tralee or enjoying the atmosphere with friends, remember to put safety first.

🌹 Look after each other – Stay together and check in with friends and family.

🚶 Plan your journey – Know how you're getting home before you head out.

📱 Keep your phone charged – Make sure you can contact someone if needed.

💧 Stay hydrated – Especially when you're spending long periods outdoors.

👟 Take care on your feet – Crowds, uneven surfaces and tiredness can all increase the risk of slips and falls.

🚗 Never drink and drive – Arrange a designated driver, taxi or public transport.

🆘 Know where to get help – If you or someone else needs assistance, speak to event staff or emergency services.

🌹 Enjoy the festival, make memories and look out for one another.

Have a safe and happy Rose of Tralee Festival! 💚🤍🧡

💻 Prevent Injuries at Your Desk—Take Our DSE Course! 🖱️
Using computers and screens every day? Improper DSE use can lead to long-term health problems. Our DSE Online Course will help you:

✔️ Set up your screen and keyboard for comfort
✔️ Avoid musculoskeletal injuries and eye strain
✔️ Follow the law and workplace regulations
✔️ Perform exercises to stay fit and flexible

Perfect for anyone spending hours at a desk—at home or in the office!

Start today: https://safetymatters.ie/online-courses/digital-screen-equipment-dse/