A new action plan has been launched by the Construction Safety Partnership Advisory Committee (CSPAC) to safeguard workers within the industry across Ireland.

The CSPAC, an advisory committee to the Board of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), developed the plan to enhance occupational safety and health standards and it aims to do this by setting out goals which tackle the most pressing risks in the construction sector.

Key priorities in the action plan include:

• Promoting best practices to mitigate risks from both traditional hazards (e.g. machinery) and emerging threats (e.g. hazardous substances).

• Enhancing the role and effectiveness of safety representatives through greater consultation and collaboration on sites.

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• Providing targeted resources and practical tools to assist small contractors, new entrants, and self-employed workers.

• Sharing insights on technological advancements and standardising safety practices across the sector.

The new plan builds upon previous successes that have already led to a 42% reduction in construction fatalities over the time-frame covered by the last CSPAC plan compared to the previous three years, and it recognises the urgent need to address the persistent rate of life-altering injuries.

Launching the action plan, Frank Kelly, Co-Chairperson of the CSPAC, said: "The strength of this plan lies in its collaborative approach. By learning from each other, we can standardise what works, innovate where needed, and ultimately protect the lives and livelihoods of thousands of construction workers across Ireland."

He added: "As the industry is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, it is vital to proactively address the risks and hazards associated with construction activity, with a focus on new entrants, returning workers, and small and self-employed contractors."

The Construction Safety Partnership Action Plan 2025–2027 is available on the HSA website.