Cross-border campaign seeks better Irish plant safety
Summary
A cross-border plant safety campaign has been launched in Ireland to reduce the risk of workers being struck or run over by moving machinery. The initiative follows 25 fatalities recorded between 2016 and 2025 in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and will involve site inspections focused on traffic management, exclusion zones, operator competence and communication.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors may encounter construction and refurbishment sites where plant and people operate in close proximity, particularly during inspections and defect assessments. The article reinforces the importance of safe site access, competent contractors and robust traffic-management controls when surveying live works.
Key points
- HSENI has launched a two-week People – Plant – Safe Separation Campaign in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
- Inspectors will check use of excavators, dumpers, telehandlers and forklifts, plus traffic-management plans and exclusion zones.
- The campaign follows 25 recorded fatalities linked to moving machinery incidents across Ireland between 2016 and 2025.
- Authorities are emphasising competent operators, proper maintenance and clear separation between people and plant.
- The article also references enforcement action in mainland Britain for plant-related incidents.
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