HSA launches all-island campaign to prevent death and serious injuries from construction plant and machinery
Monday, 7 September 2026
25 people lost their lives in construction-related incidents in last 10 years involving plant, machinery or vehicles across the island of Ireland.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA), in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) and the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), today announced the launch of the all-island People-Plant-Safe Separation Campaign, which will run from 7 September to 18 September 2026.
The two-week campaign highlights the critical importance of safe working practices around plant, machinery and vehicles in the construction sector and aims to reduce the risk of death and serious injury arising from interactions between workers and moving equipment.
Between 2016 and 2025, 25 people lost their lives in construction-related incidents involving plant, machinery or vehicles across the island of Ireland. These 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.
During the campaign, the HSA and HSENI will undertake a programme of targeted inspections focusing on the safe operation of plant and machinery, the responsibilities of plant operators, and the management of risks associated with people-plant interfaces. Promotional and awareness-raising activities will also be carried out to encourage improved safety standards across the construction sector.
Speaking ahead of the campaign, 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."
The campaign encourages 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.
Camilla Mackey, Principal Inspector at HSENI, commented:
“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."
While the campaign runs for two weeks, the HSA and HSENI emphasise that preventing incidents involving plant and machinery requires a sustained commitment throughout the year.
John Egan, Executive for Safety, Health and Skills at CIF, added:
“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.”
Further information and campaign resources are available at ‘People - Plant - Safe Separation’ as well as HSENI’s guidance at Workplace Transport.