Construction Safety Week 2018 has concluded with a major focus on managing vehicle safety.

According to Michael McDonagh, Head of Construction Policy with the Health and Safety Authority: "Between 2009 and 2017, there have been 20 reported deaths arising from vehicle-related accidents in the construction sector. Furthermore, there are numerous injuries each year, involving vehicles. Employers, the self-employed and construction workers in general need to be aware of the main risks associated with vehicles which need to be managed in order to protect themselves, their workers and members of the public, throughout all construction activity."

The Construction Industry Federation (CIF)'s Director Safety and Training, Dermot Carey, said: "On site, the principle issue is the separation of vehicles and pedestrians and the ability of the driver to see those operating in the machine's vicinity. On the road, fatigue and distraction are factors in many accidents. Today we give some thought to how we can work to prevent these situations. Visit www.cif.ie/safety-week to view our webinar on Driving for Work and a series of videos of safety walkarounds of common site plant delivered by Clive Kelly of Clive Kelly Safety and a "Driving for Work" webinar delivered by Michael Walsh, HSA."

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Architect and RTE star Dermot Bannon, also lended his support for Construction Safety Week this year to drive home the 2018 theme - 'Better Safety for Smaller Contractors'.

He said: "Contractors working on domestic renovations face many difficult safety challenges. In addition to working within a tight site footprint, they have to ensure subcontractors and suppliers, who may only be on site temporarily, adhere to their rules. They also have to ensure that their clients- the homeowners- are safe when on site.

"No matter what rules and processes are in place, construction sites are dangerous. If you are working on one, you are responsible for your personal safety and that of those around you. In turn, you should expect that those working around you are equally aware of your safety.

"I see how high the standards are in Ireland, particularly when I get to work abroad. Our industry has a lot to be proud of, but as any Health and Safety Officer would advise, one should not get complacent and that is why Construction Safety Week is so important for the Irish construction industry."

Construction Safety Week took place from 22-26 October.

(CM/MH)