Buildings & Estates Achieve ISO 45001:2018 Health and Safety Certification

_{(L-r) Áine Flaherty (Administration), Mark McNally (National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) Auditor), Lorraine Rushe (Environmental, Health & Safety Manager), Kenny O’Toole (Electrical Supervisor).}

Buildings & Estates at University of Galway have reached a major milestone by successfully being certified to ISO 45001:2018 Health & Safety Management System.  This achievement makes University of Galway the first University in Ireland to attain the International Health and Safety Standard.

Auditors from the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) visited the campus recently to audit Buildings & Estates day-to-day operational working practices, their health and safety documentation and how it is implemented across the University. The audit involved detailed checks of systems and procedures, as well as direct engagement with staff throughout the Buildings & Estates team.

The outcome was an outstanding success with zero non-conformances recorded. This achievement makes University of Galway the first university in Ireland to be awarded this certification, marking a significant step forward in occupational health and safety standards within the higher education sector.

Speaking about the achievement, Lorraine Rushe, Environmental Health and Safety Manager with Buildings & Estates, said “the result reflected a collective effort across the Buildings & Estates team under the leadership of our Director, Denis O’Connor. Health and safety is embedded in how we work every day, and this outcome recognises the commitment, cooperation, and professionalism of the staff across Buildings & Estates. This certification is the result of a huge team effort. Everyone played a part in achieving this goal.”

ISO 45001:2018 is the leading International Standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management. It provides a clear framework for identifying risks, meeting legal requirements, improving safety performance, and supporting a culture of continuous improvement.

With Buildings & Estates, at University of Galway, achieving this certification, it reinforces a strong commitment to protecting staff, contractors, students, and the wider campus community and sets a new benchmark for safety leadership across Irish universities.