In what is their clearest and most unambiguous warning yet to Northern Ireland's construction industry, the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) today gave notice: Be in no doubt, if you continue to ignore the law and put the lives of your workers at risk, or you will be prosecuted.

The warning coincides with an announcement that during the latter part of November and the month of December, construction sites throughout Northern Ireland will be subject to a focused campaign of visits by health and safety inspectors.

The campaign had been planned following two tragic deaths of construction workers (one in September and the other in October this year). Both died as a results of falls when carrying out work at height on building sites.

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Ken Logan, Head of HSENI's Construction Group, confirmed: "We are determined to stop unsafe working practices, especially those involving working at heights. Where necessary, we will serve prohibition notices to stop work activities that are dangerous. This is our only option, unless the construction industry puts its house in order."

HSENI's enforcement policy highlights the fact that those who repeatedly breach health and safety regulations will be liable to prosecution. Mr Logan added: "Contractors therefore be warned, if your name continues to appear on prohibition notices, you will be prosecuted."

Mr Logan drew attention to the fact that despite earlier campaigns, when numerous prohibition notices had been issued, the lesson has still not been learnt.

He concluded: "HSENI have always been here to give advice in relation to health and safety at work. Please visit the Information and Advice Centre or call the Helpline service which can be reached by phoning 0800 0320 121. Health and Safety Works NI is also available to provide independent and confidential advice (Tel No. 028 9040 8007). There is now simply no excuse for contractors who may plead ignorance of good health and safety practice."

(JM)