2020 has most definitely been one of the most interesting years of our lives. In terms of what it has meant for the construction industry, this is no different. Health and safety within the construction industry has never been more important. Although we are now presented with the dangers of Covid-19 within our everyday life, the dangers of working within this industry are still as important as ever.

‘Construction Safety Week’(CSW) – taking place the week commencing the 19th October – is an opportunity to reflect upon the aspects of safety, health and overall wellbeing and to promote this as an important aspect of our industry. The week allows us to review the past activities as an industry and to learn from H&S successes, failures and things that can be changed. The hope from this week is that as an industry, we can eventually ensure that no avoidable accidents exist and we can improve the morale and productivity of our industry. BSS fully supports this event and we’ll actively be taking part in ensuring we keep up to date with the H&S regulations within the Irish construction industry.

The week is an initiative of the ‘Construction Safety Partnership Advisory Committee (CSPAC). CSPAC is made up of the main stakeholders in the construction industry in Ireland – employers, unions, state bodies and professional bodies. Their aim is to continue to stress the importance of the industry, whilst aiming for continual improvement within the industry. CSPAC invited all companies of all sizes to run a safety event within this week.

CSW will have daily themes, and these include:

  • Monday 19th October – Mental Health, Welfare and Wellbeing within Construction.
  • Tuesday 20th October – Plant and Pedestrian Safety.
  • Wednesday 21st October – Occupational Health in Construction.
  • Thursday 22nd October – Working safely at Height.
  • Friday 23rd October – Emergency Preparedness.

The Construction Industry Federation (CIF), is calling on the construction companies of all sizes and workers to get involved within the week. Health and safety, as stressed earlier in this article, has never been more important than ever. To find out more about the week, head to https://cif.ie/safety-week/#schedule to see how you can get involved with this important event within our industry.