Construction deaths prompt latest all-island campaign to keep people safe from moving machinery
Date published:
Between 2016 and 2025, 25 people lost their lives in construction-related incidents involving plant, machinery or vehicles across the island of Ireland, prompting a new campaign to improve safety around moving equipment.
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), in partnership with the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), is launching the all-island ‘People - Plant - Safe Separation Campaign’ which will run from 7 - 18 September 2026.
During the campaign inspectors will be urging construction employers, contractors and plant operators and workers to take action to prevent people coming into contact with moving vehicles and machinery such as excavators, dumpers, telehandlers and forklifts.
Camilla Mackey, Principal Inspector at HSENI said:
“People and plant can be a deadly combination when risks are not properly managed. Every year workers are injured or killed in incidents that could have been prevented through effective traffic management, competent plant operation and adequate maintenance of plant and machinery. By working together, we can help prevent avoidable tragedies on our construction sites and ensure all workers return home safely at the end of their working day.
“Continued tragic fatalities point out the continued need for employers, contractors, plant operators and workers to ensure robust control measures are in place wherever people and plant interact in the same environment. We will be encouraging duty holders to review traffic management plans, ensure plant operators are appropriately trained and competent, maintain safe exclusion zones and implement effective communication systems between workers and operators.”
As well as focusing on the safe operation of plant and machinery, HSENI will issue promotional material and awareness-raising activities will also be carried out to encourage improved safety standards across the construction sector.
Speaking ahead of the joint campaign, Senior Inspector at the HSA, Joan Flynn said:
“Construction sites are busy and high-risk environments where workers and machinery often operate in close proximity. Effective planning, safe systems of work, competent operators and clear separation of people from moving plant can prevent life-changing injuries and fatalities. This campaign is a reminder to everyone in the industry to stop, assess the risks and ensure work can be carried out safely.”
While the campaign runs for two weeks, the HSENI and HSA emphasise that preventing incidents involving plant and machinery requires a sustained commitment throughout the year.
Further information and campaign resources are available at:
Notes to editors :
- HSENI - For media enquiries please contact: HSENI Press Office on 028 9024 3249 or email media@hseni.gov.uk. For out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer on 028 9037 8110.
- HSA - For further information or to arrange an interview please contact Adam Heffernan, HSA Press Office, on (086) 803 6141 or email pressoffice@hsa.ie.