The deaths of 25 people in construction-related incidents involving plant, machinery or vehicles across the island of Ireland between 2016 and 2025 have prompted the launch of a new campaign aimed at improving safety around moving equipment.

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), in partnership with the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), is launching the all-island ‘People – Plant – Safe Separation Campaign’.

The campaign will run from 7 to 18 September 2026 and will focus on preventing workers and other people from coming into contact with moving vehicles and machinery, including excavators, dumpers, telehandlers and forklifts.

Inspectors will use the campaign to urge construction employers, contractors, plant operators and workers to review the measures in place to separate people from moving equipment and reduce the risk of serious or fatal incidents.

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Camilla Mackey, Principal Inspector at HSENI said: "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 adequate maintenance of plant && machinery. By working together, we can help prevent avoidable tragedies on our construction sites and ensure all workers return home safely at the end of their working day.

"Continued tragic fatalities point out the continued need for employers, contractors, plant operators, and workers to ensure robust control measures are in place wherever people and plant interact in the same environment. We will be encouraging duty holders to review traffic management plans, ensure plant operators are appropriately trained and competent, maintain safe exclusion zones and implement effective communication systems between workers and operators."

Alongside inspections and a focus on the safe operation of plant and machinery, HSENI will issue promotional material and carry out awareness-raising activities to encourage improved safety standards across the construction sector.

Although the campaign will run for two weeks, HSENI and the HSA are emphasising that preventing incidents involving plant and machinery requires continued attention and a sustained commitment to safety throughout the year.