Stephen Rooney, Head of HSEQ at SIRO DAC, takes his place on the judging panel for the Health & Safety Excellence Awards 2026, contributing three decades of chartered occupational safety and environmental practice to a programme that sets the benchmark for workplace safety recognition in Ireland.

A Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (CMIOSH), Rooney has built his reputation across some of the most technically demanding sectors in infrastructure delivery — telecommunications, renewable energy, rail, civil engineering, and construction.

His track record includes a direct contribution to the successful completion of high-value technical projects reaching €900 million across Ireland, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, work that demanded exacting governance frameworks and the practical management of risk at scale.

That level of exposure to complex, high-consequence environments gives his panel contribution a grounding that few practitioners can match.

Rooney's academic formation is extensive. He holds a Masters of Applied Science in Safety, Health and Welfare, a Masters in Environmental disciplines, two primary degrees, and a range of postgraduate qualifications including Environmental Management at Level 9.

He is currently pursuing a law degree through SETU. Qualified as a Trainer, Instructor, and Lead Auditor, he has guest lectured at University College Dublin, Dublin Institute of Technology, and the Chartered Institute of Builders, and has contributed to the development of national guidance, codes of practice, and industry standards — work that places him at the intersection of practice and policy in Irish safety governance.

The Health & Safety Excellence Awards, delivered by BusinessRiver, draws participation from 30 market segments and connects with 12,000 senior business leaders each year.The 2026 awards gala takes place on 30 April 2026.

Visit the official website to explore categories, review past winners, and submit your entry.