Activ8 Solar Energies wins grand prix at Health & Safety Excellence Awards 2025

Activ8 Solar Energies has been recognised for outstanding achievement at the prestigious Health & Safety Excellence Awards 2025, claiming both the Grand Prix award and a category honour at the ceremony held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry, Dublin.

The Health & Safety Excellence Awards, now in their sixth year, celebrate the most innovative individuals and companies driving excellence in Ireland’s health and safety sector. This year’s event, hosted by Joe Rooney, saw 58 companies submit 82 entries across 18 categories, with 315 industry professionals in attendance.

Activ8 Solar Energies, based in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, has overseen more than 22,000 commercial and residential solar panel installations since its establishment in 2007.

The company’s success stems from significant investment in a world-class quality, environmental, health & safety department, alongside the development of new safety systems and a culture where every employee is empowered to speak up and lead on safety.

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The company’s initiatives introduced over the past year have resulted in a 53 per cent increase in health and safety training sessions, and an impressive record of zero incidents on large-scale commercial projects across Ireland and the UK.

“Activ8 Solar Energies has been recognised as the overall winner for their outstanding commitment to health and safety across all areas of their operations,” the award citation stated. “Their proactive culture, strong leadership and innovative practices set them apart. With a clear focus on continuous improvement and employee wellbeing, Activ8 exemplifies what it means to lead by example in health and safety.”

A company spokesperson commented: “These prestigious accolades are a resounding endorsement of our unwavering commitment to creating a safer, healthier and more innovative workplace.

“To receive this recognition from industry leaders is not only a humbling moment – it’s a powerful validation of the continuous work, investment and cultural transformation happening everyday across Activ8 Solar Energies.”

Paul O’Shea, chief executive at awards gold sponsor Ashview Consultants, commented that the Health & Safety Excellence Awards showcase the highest workplace safety standards.

“By honouring leading organisations, they drive meaningful change, inspiring raised benchmarks, shared expertise and a culture prioritising employee wellbeing and safety,” he said. “These awards celebrate innovation and commitment, fostering industry-wide progress in safeguarding health and safety practices and the team at Ashview Consultants is delighted to be involved.”

A spokesperson for Longford County Council said the council was honoured to receive the award in the public sector category. “It is the third consecutive year for Longford County Council to win this award. It is a testament to the excellent record of health and safety culture within the organisation and the ongoing efforts of all employees to foster and maintain a healthy and safe working environment.”

Padraic Geraghty, senior account executive at gold sponsor HSI Skillko, said the company was delighted to sponsor the awards once again. “It’s so important to recognise and reward safety initiatives in the workplace that ensure people get home safely every day and we are proud to play a supporting role,” he said.

Judging coordinator Victor Hrymak noted that all the awards were carefully considered by safety experts from industry and the academic community. “Therefore, these awards represent deserved national recognition for the participants, who have all demonstrated their ability to provide safe and productive working environments,” he explained.

“All award entries demonstrated exceptional commitment to safety and quality. These awards also illustrate practical, effective, and innovative approaches to making workplaces safe and productive.

“A notable trend in these applications is how participants have successfully engaged with all their stakeholders, from shop floor workers to chief executives, as well as their clients. It is reassuring to see how participants have embraced all potential hazards from their workplaces, including environmental and psychosocial risk issues.”

Jason Kearns, managing director at awards finalist Guardian Safety, commented: “The Health and Safety Excellence Awards celebrate not just compliance but the creative breakthroughs that elevate safety standards across industries, a recognition we proudly strive for every day.”

Kevin O’Driscoll, director of partnership programmes at awards organiser Business River, said: “Events like this are made possible through the support of sponsors. We are thankful to our 2025 sponsors which include ISS Ireland, HSI Skillko, Bretland, Ashview Consultants and Panda. I also want to recognise our supporter, Amárach Research. Their investment in the awards underlines their commitment and support of this key business area.”

Awards judges

Victor Hrymak (judging coordinator), lecturer in environmental health and safety, TU Dublin
Shareleen Jansen van Vuuren, group EHS manager, Tritech Group
Julianne Shine, senior EHS specialist, Boston Scientific Clonmel
Jennifer Lee, health, safety and risk manager, ARYZTA
Conor Buggy, associate professor, University College Dublin
Reddy Morley, head of rail safety & occupational health and safety, Transport Infrastructure Ireland
Adrian Jackson, director of operations, Safety Solutions Group
Caleb Leduc, lecturer, University College Cork
Orla O’Riordan, health & safety manager, HR, Irish Life Group
Blaithin McGrath, lecturer, Atlantic Technological University – Sligo
Eddie Ronayne, head of safety and wellbeing, Cork County Council
Mary O’Doherty, senior health & safety officer, South East Technological University
Susan O’Connor, health and safety manager, Sodexo
Colm Byrne, safety, health & wellbeing manager, RTÉ
Sandra McGourty, health and safety specialist, Pobal
Tom Anglim, site health and safety manager, Mondelez International (Cadburys)
Derval Cumiskey, lecturer, UCD
Eoin Colleran, head of corporate safety compliance, Irish Rail
Maria Chiara Leva, senior lecturer in health and safety, Technological University Dublin
James Gubbins, associate, snr safety manager, Linesight