A major safety inspection campaign is under way this October, led jointly by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

The month-long initiative will see inspectors visiting construction sites and farms across the island to tackle one of the industry's most persistent dangers — falls from height.

Over the past decade (2015–2024), 70 people have lost their lives in construction incidents involving falls from height across Ireland. The joint inspections will focus on how contractors manage this risk on site. Inspectors will be checking that risk assessments and safety plans are in place, that workers have the correct CSCS or CSR certification, and that scaffolding and ladders are properly erected and inspected. They will also assess the use of fall prevention systems such as guardrails, harnesses, and netting, as well as the presence of clear emergency and rescue procedures.

Bryan Monson, Deputy Chief Executive at HSENI, said: "Every year, we continue to see people in Northern Ireland losing their lives or suffering life-changing injuries from falls that could have been prevented. Whether it's a contractor on a busy building site or a farmer fixing a roof at home, the risks are the same and so is the need to plan the work and use the right equipment. We're proud to work alongside the HSA on this all-island campaign to shine a spotlight on the dangers of working at height.

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"We want people to stop and think before climbing that ladder or walking onto that roof. Taking a few extra minutes to plan the job properly could save your life," he added.

In the farming sector, 37 people have died in similar incidents over the same period. Falls from ladders, roof edges, stacked bales, and through fragile roofs remain common hazards, particularly where older buildings are still in use. Inspectors will be looking for safe systems of work, correct use of access equipment such as MEWPs and secured platforms, and safe stacking of bales. Farmers are also being encouraged to use competent contractors for any high-risk work and to take extra care when dealing with fragile roofing materials.

Adrienne Duff, Assistant Chief Executive at the HSA, said: "Falls are entirely preventable, and everyone deserves to return home from work safely and unharmed. This campaign aims to raise awareness and drive home the message that taking shortcuts or carrying out work without due regard to the risks involved is not an option. Work must be planned and controls put in place to prevent a fall from height.

"Working together with our colleagues in HSENI strengthens this message across the island and allows us to take a united approach to tackling the dangers of working at height," Duff added.

Further information and practical guidance on working safely at height can be found at hseni.gov.uk and hsa.ie.