The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has launched its Construction Safety Campaign today.

The campaign will continue until October 25, with the Federation retaining last year's theme of Focus on Critical Risk as the main objective.

The CIF Safety Committee is encouraging the construction industry to run health and safety events for five days within the timeframe and requesting that contractors get involved by identifying the key risks they are exposed to and developing initiatives to build awareness of these risks and how to mitigate them.

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Critical risks are activities which are undertaken frequently that, if not controlled, could lead to significant injury or fatality.

Heart health is also a critical risk and to coincide with 'Restart a Heart' week, which also begins today, the CIF have partnered with the Irish Heart Foundation to promote heart health and encourage contractors to train staff in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Almost 1,000 men died from a heart attack in Ireland last year and over 4,000 women die from cardiovascular disease. One in four men and women will lose their lives to heart disease or stroke.

Having the ability to administer CPR can double the chance of survival. As part of the Construction Safety Campaign, the CIF want contractors to include emergency preparedness as part of their critical risks.

A complete a rollout of CPR training onsite, workplace wellness programmes and/ or health promotion initiatives focusing on a healthy heart, are key tasks contractors are asked to carry out.