Bridging the OSH and Wellbeing Gap in 2026
The defining challenge for leaders in 2026 is no longer just about having the right policies on paper but bridging the gap between those policies and daily practice. This was the core theme of Ibec’s recent Workplace Wellbeing event held on 27 January 2026 at Ibec Head Office in Dublin, where leaders gathered to explore how to translate high-level vision into tangible health, safety, and wellbeing outcomes.
Amidst discussions on navigating change in the AI era and human-centred design, a critical intersection emerged: the evolving relationship between traditional Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and modern employee wellbeing.
The New Landscape: Mental Health as a Safety Priority
The OSH landscape is shifting rapidly. As Elaine Bowers, Ibec Senior OSH Executive, highlighted during the forum, the EU-OSHA ‘Healthy Work’ campaign for 2026-2028, titled ‘Together for Mental Health at Work’ signals a strong focus on preventing psychosocial risks.
Under the Safety Health and Welfare at Work (SHWW) Act 2005, Irish employers are mandated to include psychosocial hazards - such as stress, burnout, bullying, and role ambiguity in their risk management programme.
Insights from the Field: The Top #5 OSH Queries
To help leaders move from intent to impact, the session identified five key areas where safety and wellness must converge:
1. Safety Statement & Management System: Every employer in Ireland must prepare a written Safety Statement based on workplace risk assessments. For wellness professionals, the key is ensuring that wellness activities and spaces are explicitly included and that risk assessments are conducted before supports are implemented.
2. Safety Consultation & Engagement: The SHWW Act mandates that employers consult employees on health and safety. This isn't just a checkbox; effective consultation ensures staff input into policies and helps embed safety into everyday culture. Note that Safety Representatives require specific three-day training.
3. Management of Intoxicants: While drug and alcohol testing is not mandatory, the 2005 Act mandates against working under the influence of an intoxicant that could affect the safety of the employee or the safety of others. Best practice includes a clear policy covering prescription medication and social work events, supported by confidential services like EAPs.
4. Psychosocial Risk Assessment: Employers must document controls for hazards like workload, isolation, and lack of role clarity. Data from the 2025 OSH Pulse survey underscores the urgency: 44% of workers report severe time pressure or work overload, while 8% report experiencing harassment or bullying.
5. The Competent Person: Every organisation must appoint a ‘competent person’ with the training, experience, and knowledge necessary to oversee safety and health responsibilities.
Turning Insights into Action
The transition from a leadership vision to a thriving workplace requires clear accountability. As organizations look toward the remainder of 2026, the call to action is clear:
- Clarify Responsibilities: Define roles for senior management, team leads, and employees.
- Stress-Test Policies: Review intoxicants and psychosocial risk assessments to ensure they reflect modern realities like remote working and sensitive content exposure.
- Engage the Workforce: Make health and safety consultation a natural part of the organizational dialogue.
By focusing on these tangible outcomes, leaders can ensure that wellbeing is a foundational element of a safe and productive workplace.
How Ibec Can Support Your Journey
Ibec is Ireland’s leading authority on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), setting the standard for employer representation, expert guidance, and tailored support.
As the trusted voice of business at both national and EU level, we shape practical, forward-looking OSH policy that works for employers.
Through Ibec membership, you gain access to specialist advice, regulatory insights, and member networks that help you stay ahead of change and meet your compliance obligations with confidence.
To further support your OSH journey, we also offer a suite of additional services - including accredited and customised training, and consulting solutions - designed to help your organisation build safer, healthier, and more resilient workplaces.
