Workers flooding back into the resurgent construction industry are being warned that the rules designed to save lives on building sites have changed dramatically.
Figures released this month reveal that employment in the construction industry rose by 40% in the first quarter of 2017.
Darren Donaghy, from Donaghy Safety Training Ltd, in Newtowncunningham, says the resurgence in construction employment is “fantastic news for a sector that has had to tough it out over recent years.”
However, he is reminding construction business leaders and employees that the health and safety rules have changed for the new era of building in Ireland.
“The increase in building activity will see many people return to the sector and it is important that everyone is aware of their responsibilities. The rules have changed since the end of the last building boom almost a decade ago. Every required health and safety measure is in place to preserve life and limb and all workers in the industry must meet the standards,” he said.
Mr Donaghy made the comments ahead of World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28.
In 2016, there were nine fatalities on construction sites in Ireland while three people have died in 2017 so far, according to the HSA. Historic records show that 84 people died as a result of construction-related injuries between 2008 and 2016 while 111 people died between 2002 and 2007.
Mr Donaghy added: “It is great news that developers, contractors, construction engineers, project managers, block layers and labourers are busier than they have been for some time but there is no excuse for letting standards slip on site. Disregarding health and safety protocols is not only breaking the law and taking a potentially business-ending risks – it is playing Russian roulette with lives.”
He said the resurgence in construction is a prime opportunity to remind everyone involved in the industry of their health and safety responsibilities.
“All construction workers, including apprentices, are bound by law to hold a valid Safe Pass card. Everyone should have a basic knowledge of health and safety, and be able to work on-site without being a risk to themselves or others.”
He said anyone considering a self-build project should also be aware of their obligations.
“Site safety is the responsibility of the person managing the project, whether it’s a single self-build or a grand scale development. To that end, it is vital that people know the sorts of things they’ll be responsible for on self -managing the build process.”
For further information on site safety online log on to www.safety-professionals.com
