Glancing back at the Health & Safety Excellence Awards 2026, held on 30th April at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry, the Women in Health & Safety Award went to Lily Rose Murphy-Ownsworth, Senior Health and Safety Officer at Jons Civil Engineering Ltd., in recognition of a body of work that combined academic rigour, digital innovation, and genuine human impact across some of the most demanding infrastructure environments in Ireland.

Murphy-Ownsworth holds a first-class MSc alongside professional qualifications that underpin an approach to health and safety grounded in evidence and continuous improvement. Across complex infrastructure projects, she has delivered measurable reductions in safety incidents, advanced mental health and wellbeing initiatives, and strengthened the organisational systems that ensure safety practice is consistent, visible, and owned at every level of the business. The judging panel highlighted her clear, evidence-led methodology and the credibility it brings to every initiative she leads, noting that the reduction in incident frequency and her use of academic research give her work a depth of impact that goes well beyond compliance.

Among the standout initiatives in her submission was the "No Spare Parts, Hands Safety" campaign, which achieved zero HSA reportable hand and wrist injuries, a result the judges specifically called out as a measurable achievement of real significance in a sector where hand injuries are among the most common and preventable workplace incidents. Her approach to inclusive practice and digital innovation was equally commended, reflecting a practitioner who understands that the most effective safety cultures are built through engagement, education, and the right tools rather than enforcement alone. Strong testimonials from colleagues and stakeholders further reinforced the credibility of her contribution, giving the panel a rounded picture of a safety professional making a lasting difference across Jons Civil Engineering's operations.

Stay tuned for the Health & Safety Excellence Awards 2027 cycle, where organisations and individuals from across Ireland will once again have the opportunity to showcase their commitment to workplace health and safety excellence.

View the full shortlist at www.hsawards.ie/shortlist, and subscribe to the newsletter to stay informed on future award cycles and industry news.