The Health and Safety Authority (HSA), working with the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) and the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), has launched an all-island initiative to reinforce safe practices around construction plant, machinery and vehicles. Running from 7 to 18 September 2026, the drive urges firms to prioritise separation between people and moving plant to prevent life-changing injuries and fatalities.

Figures show that between 2016 and 2025, 25 people lost their lives in construction incidents linked to plant, machinery or vehicles across the island, underscoring the need for rigorous controls wherever people and equipment share space.

Inspectors from the HSA and HSENI will carry out targeted inspections during the campaign, examining the safe operation of plant and machinery, operator competence and how duty holders manage risks at people–plant interface points. The programme will be supported by promotional activity to encourage higher safety standards across the sector.

Joan Flynn, Senior Inspector at the HSA, said: "Construction sites are busy high risk environments where workers and machinery often operate in close proximity. Effective planning, safe systems of work, competent operators and clear separation of people from moving plant can prevent life-changing injuries and fatalities. This campaign is a reminder to everyone in the industry to stop, assess the risks and ensure work can be carried out safely."

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The partners are urging employers, contractors and plant operators to refresh site traffic management plans, confirm operators are trained and competent, maintain robust exclusion zones and ensure clear, reliable communication between workers and machine operators.

Camilla Mackey, Principal Inspector at HSENI, commented: "People and plant can be a deadly combination when risks are not properly managed. Every year workers are injured or killed in incidents that could have been prevented through effective traffic management, competent plant operation and proper supervision. By working together, we can help prevent avoidable tragedies and ensure workers return home safely every day."

Although the campaign runs for two weeks, both regulators stress that preventing plant and machinery incidents requires year-round vigilance and continuous improvement.

John Egan, Executive for Safety, Health and Skills at CIF, added: "The safe separation of people and plant is one of the most important challenges on construction sites. The industry has made significant progress in improving safety standards, but every serious incident or fatality is a reminder that there cannot be room for any complacency. Through effective planning, site traffic management, operator training and clear communication on site, many of these incidents can be prevented. The CIF is proud to support this all-island campaign and encourages all contractors, employers and workers to take the opportunity to reinforce safe working practices around plant and machinery."

Further information and resources are available on the HSA's People – Plant – Safe Separation campaign page and HSENI's Workplace Transport guidance.