HSENI / HSA All-Island Safety Campaign Targets Deadly Falls in Construction and Farming
In the week when representatives from the NISG Executive Committee head to Killarney for the NISO 2025 Conference and the All-Ireland NISO / NISG Safety Awards presentation, the HSENI and HSA have launched a joint month-long all-island inspection campaign for October which is targeting falls from height across the constructure and agriculture sectors.
Falls from height are still a leading cause of death and serious injury in these sectors and inspections will be taking place with the aim of reducing the number of serious injuries and fatalities linked to work at height.
In the last 10 years (2015 - 2024, there have been 70 fatalities in the construction industry as a result of falling from height across the two jurisdictions.
Inspectors in construction will focus on compliance with the legal requirements for working at height, including:
- adequate risk assessments and safety planning;
- ensuring workers are trained and competent, with correct CSCS / CSR certification;
- safe use, erection, and inspection of scaffolding and ladders;
- use of fall prevention systems (guardrails, harnesses, netting);
- ensuring that emergency response and rescue plans are in place.
Farming had 37 fatalities in the same period across both regions, with common hazards including falls from ladders, unprotected roof edges, falling from or with stacked bales, and falling through fragile roof materials, particularly on farms where aging structures are still in use.
Inspectors in the agriculture sector will focus on compliance with the legal requirements for working at height, including:
- safe systems of work for any height-related activity;
- use of proper equipment such as MEWPs or secured platforms;
- ensuring safe stacking and handling of bales;
- encouraging farmers to engage competent contractors for high-risk tasks;
- promoting awareness around fragile roofs and proper construction appointments.
Bryan Monson, Deputy Chief Executive, HSENI, has said: “Every year, we continue to see people in Northern Ireland losing their lives or suffering life-changing injuries from falls that could have been prevented. Whether it’s a contractor on a busy building site or a farmer fixing a roof at home, the risks are the same and so is the need to plan the work and use the right equipment.
“We’re proud to work alongside the HSA on this all-island campaign to shine a spotlight on the dangers of working at height. We want people to stop and think before climbing that ladder or walking onto that roof. Taking a few extra minutes to plan the job properly could save your life,” he added.
Adrienne Duff, Assistant Chief Executive, HSA, commented: “Falls are entirely preventable, and everyone deserves to return home from work safely and unharmed. This campaign aims to raise awareness and drive home the message that taking shortcuts or carrying out work without due regard to the risks involved is not an option. Work must be planned and controls put in place to prevent a fall from height.
“Working together with our colleagues in HSENI strengthens this message across the island and allows us to take a united approach to tackling the dangers of working at height”, Duff added.
Resources and practical guidance for safer work at height are available now on the HSENI and HSA websites as follows:
NISG are proud to continually work with NISO and also support both the HSENI /HSA in this potentially life saving campaign. Do come along to our NISG stand at the NISO Conference in the Great Southern Hotel in Killarney on Friday and say hello to our team.
