An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir November 2017 www.dfmagazine.ie 16 | By CoMDt ConoR RyAn, So DF h&S I t is the policy of the De- fence Forces to manage the health and safety (h&S) risks to military personnel, civilian employees, visitors and mem- bers of the public in relation to all Defence Forces installations and activities. our risk manag- ers are committed to continuous improvement in the areas of health, safety and welfare. Every member of the Defence Forces, irrespective of rank and civilian employees are expected to con- tribute positively to ensure that the work environment within the Defence Forces is as healthy and safe as possible. health and safety management within the Defence Forces is underpinned by effective planning to control risks, react to changing demands and to sustain a positive health and safety culture. Defence Forces health and Safety Week is an annual initiative to remind people of the importance of maintaining a positive health, safety and welfare culture. enterprise risk management recognition awards June 2017: Conor O'Kelly, CEO National Treasury Management Agency, Comdt Conor Ryan, Defence Forces and retired rugby international Alan Quinlan. the state CLaims aGenCy anD the DeFenCe ForCes Acting as the State Claims Agency (SCA), the National Treasury Man- agement Agency provides risk management advice and assistance to 146 State authorities including Government Ministers, healthcare enterprises and the Defence Forces (DF) with the aim of reducing future claims. Since its launch in 2007, the Enterprise Risk Network (ERN) compris- ing of the 146 authorities delegated to the SCA, has not only proven to be an effective vehicle for disseminating advice but also in acting as a knowledge sharing forum, where individual Network members can share their knowledge and experience or seek the advice of other public sector bodies. On the 15th November ERN will be hosted by the Defence Forces in Cathal Brugha Barracks. The SCA has worked with the Health and Safety Risk Management Section for a number of years, who was recently shortlisted for a Risk Management Initiative Recognition Award. This is a unique opportunity for the DF to showcase how they manage risk and employee well-being in a high-risk environment.

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