The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has said it is to carry out a construction visit campaign in Cork.

Marking the beginning of Construction Safety Week, the authority will inspect around 100 sites this week in Cork. The inspections aim to raise awareness of health and safety issues, with a particular focus on working at height and its management.

In Cork, there were four construction-related deaths during 2013, all of which involved a fall from height.

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Commenting on the inspections, Sean Hyde, Senior Inspector with the Health and Safety Authority, said: "The main cause of fatal accidents in the construction sector is 'falls from height' and this is the main area that we need to focus on.

"Over the course of the week our inspectors will be looking to see that suitable systems are in place, such as properly erected scaffolding or other appropriate measures to ensure the safety of those working at height."

He continued: "We have guides for working on scaffolds, roof-work and use of ladders that encourage best practice and safe work at all times.

"We don't want to make unreasonable demands of employers or workers we just want to make sure that the risks of working at height are managed and appropriate controls are used. The consequences of a fall, even from a relatively low height, can be devastating."

(JP/IT)