Construction

Construction is a high risk industry and a major employer throughout Northern Ireland with an average of 54,000 people currently working throughout our construction sites. Unfortunately Northern Ireland's construction Industry continues to have a high accident rate with a high percentage of fatalities caused by falls from height . HSENI are working hard with the construction industry to educate, inform and appropriately enforce on construction sites to help prevent further fatalities and major injuries.

Take Heights Seriously campaign

HSENI has launched a campaign reminding the construction industry about the importance of using suitable access equipment, working platforms and edge protection when working at height.

Read more at:

• Working at Height webpage

You can also download our Take Heights Seriously press adverts and listen to our campaign radio advert.

Fire Safety in Construction

A 'responsible person' must carry out, and keep up to date, a risk assessment and implement appropriate measures to minimise the risk to life and property from fire.

The responsible person will usually be the main or principal contractor in control of the site.

You should identify sources of fuel and ignition and establish general fire precautions including, means of escape, warning and fighting fire, based on your fire risk assessment.

In occupied buildings such as offices, make sure the work does not interfere with existing escape routes from the building, or any fire separation, alarms, dry risers, or sprinkler systems.

For more information please see HSE's publication Fire Safety in Construction at the link below:

• Fire Safety in Construction (www.hse.gov.uk)

The Condition Management Programme (CMP)

Health conditions can keep construction workers out of work. The Condition Management Programme (CMP) helps employees manage their health condition to allow them to progress towards, move into and stay in employment. More information on this programme is available on CITB NI's website at the link below:

• Mental & Physical health conditions can keep construction workers out of work. CMP might help (www.citbni.org.uk)

For further information on the programme please watch the video at the link below:

• Condition Management Programme video (Vimeo)

Further information is available on nidirect's website at the following link:

• Condition Management Programme (CMP) - www.nidirect.gov.uk