Looking forward to this year’s award cycle, the finalists for the Health & Safety Excellence Awards 2026 have been announced, marking the culmination of a rigorous judging process that assessed entries across 25 categories spanning individual achievement, organisational excellence, and sector-specific innovation.

Organised by BusinessRiver, the programme evaluated submissions from organisations and professionals demonstrating leadership in workplace safety culture, technological advancement, mental health initiatives, and operational compliance. The shortlist reflects the breadth of safety innovation across Ireland's construction, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, logistics, and public sector organisations.

Categories span individual recognition including Health & Safety Manager of the Year, Women in Health & Safety Award, and Rising Star of the Year, alongside team and organisational awards such as Safety Culture Transformation, Innovation in Health & Safety, and Best Use of Technology. Sector-specific categories cover construction, facilities management, food and beverage, life sciences, manufacturing, public sector, retail, telecoms, transport, utilities, and warehousing.

The judging process operated under strict confidentiality protocols, with judges bound by confidentiality agreements and required to declare potential conflicts of interest. Entries involving conflicts were reassigned to ensure complete impartiality throughout the evaluation.

The awards gala will take place on 30 April 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry. The black-tie evening event will bring together finalists, industry leaders, and safety professionals to celebrate achievement and excellence across Ireland's health and safety sector.

Winners will be announced across all 25 categories, with the evening also recognising the overall Grand Prix Award winner, the organisation judged to have demonstrated the most outstanding contribution to health and safety excellence in 2026.

The Health & Safety Excellence Awards engaging 12,000 senior business leaders annually across 30 market segments. Through a partnership with The Irish Times Online, finalists and winners receive national media coverage, amplifying visibility and reinforcing the strategic importance of workplace safety leadership.


Visit the official website to view the full shortlist by category and subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates.