Construction firms have been urged to redouble their efforts to reduce on-site accidents in 2017.

The Director General of the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) made the call at a meeting with leading industry members.

Mr Tom Parlon said tragic accidents are much more likely to occur within the micro-enterprise and self-employed sectors of the industry.

He said: "It is vital that we redouble our efforts to get the safety message to smaller companies and sole traders, to reduce accidents and always strive towards a zero-fatality industry."

According to DKM consultants, construction activity is anticipated to grow by 9% per year up to 2020. The growth will be driven by ambitious government targets in housebuilding and infrastructure development as well as commercial growth. DKM estimates that 112,000 new jobs will be created by the sector by 2020 to deliver on these targets. This year, Construction Information Services estimates that almost €19billion in construction projects will be completed.

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Mr Parlon continued: "With a strong increase in activity, there will be a subsequent need to expand the workforce and we expect a strong growth of new employees coming onsite, along with those returning to Ireland for work. We are asking construction companies, particularly smaller companies and the self-employed to refocus on Health and Safety for 2017. Now is the time to reflect on our current Health and Safety procedures so you can be busy and safe. We must ensure that the industry maintains its strong record on the management and awareness of safety and health issues.

"This year, the CIF will deliver a sustained campaign on safety to keep the message at the forefront of industry. We will continue to work with the HSA and our partners in the Construction Safety Partnership Advisory Committee to highlight safety during Construction Safety Week in late October."

(CD/MH)