Fall risk inspections launched across N Irish farms
© Tim Scrivener A month-long inspection campaign has been launched today across farms and construction sites throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland to tackle deaths and injuries caused by falls from height.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) are jointly running the all-island initiative throughout October.
Inspectors will visit workplaces of all sizes to check compliance with legal safety standards aimed at preventing fatal and serious falls.
See also: Investigation launched into spate of farm deaths in Scotland
Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of death and serious injury in both construction and agriculture.
In the past decade, 70 construction workers and 37 people in the farming sector have lost their lives across the island due to height-related incidents.
In agriculture, inspections will focus on safe systems for working at heights, the appropriate use of equipment such as mobile elevated work platforms, and the safe stacking of bales.
Attention will also be given to the risks posed by ageing, fragile roof structures still in use on many farms.
“Falls are entirely preventable, and everyone deserves to return home from work safely and unharmed,” said Adrienne Duff, assistant chief executive of the HSA.
“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.”
Bryan Monson, deputy chief executive of HSENI, said: “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.
“Taking a few extra minutes to plan the job properly could save your life.”