The Health and Safety Authority (HSA), Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) and Construction Industry Federation have launched a joint campaign focused on reducing deaths and serious injuries involving plant, machinery and vehicles in construction.
The People Plant Safe Separation Campaign runs from 7 September to 18 September 2026 and will combine targeted inspections with awareness activity across the island of Ireland.
25 people killed in ten years
Between 2016 and 2025, 25 people lost their lives in construction-related incidents involving plant, machinery or vehicles across the island.
The figures highlight the risks created when workers and moving equipment operate within the same environment and the importance of effective controls to keep people separated from vehicles and machinery.
Employers, contractors, plant operators and workers all have a role in ensuring appropriate measures are established and followed wherever these risks are present.
Inspectors focus on plant safety
During the two week campaign, HSA and HSENI inspectors will focus on the safe operation of plant and machinery, the responsibilities of plant operators and the management of risks where people and plant interact.
The programme will also include promotional and awareness activity intended to encourage improved safety standards across the construction sector.
Sites urged to review controls
The campaign is encouraging duty holders to review their traffic management arrangements and ensure plant operators have received appropriate training and are competent to operate the equipment they use.
Construction businesses are also being urged to maintain safe exclusion zones and establish effective communication systems between workers and plant operators.
These measures are intended to reduce the potential for workers to enter areas where moving vehicles or machinery could present a risk of serious injury.
Year round commitment required
Although the campaign will run for two weeks, HSA and HSENI have emphasised that managing risks associated with plant and machinery requires continued attention throughout the year.
Effective separation, appropriate traffic management and clear communication should form part of routine site safety arrangements rather than measures introduced solely during inspection campaigns.
Senior Inspector at the HSA, Joan Flynn, said: “Construction sites are busy 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.”
John Egan, Executive for Safety, Health and Skills at CIF, said: “The safe separation of people and plant is one of the most important challenges on construction sites. The industry has made significant progress in improving safety standards, but every serious incident or fatality is a reminder that there cannot be room for any complacency.
“Through effective planning, site traffic management, operator training and clear communication on site, many of these incidents can be prevented. The CIF is proud to support this all-island campaign and encourages all contractors, employers and workers to take the opportunity to reinforce safe working practices around plant and machinery.”
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 proper supervision.
“By working together, we can help prevent avoidable tragedies and ensure workers return home safely every day.”
