CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WARNED BY HSENI

THE Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has delivered its starkest message yet to the province’s construction industry following the recent death of a worker on a Coleraine building site.

In an announcement that coincides with the launch of a focused campaign of site inspection visits, the HSENI has warned that if construction companies continue to ignore the law and put the lives of their employees at risk, then they will face prosecution.

Ken Logan, Head of HSENI’s Construction Group, said: “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.

The series of site inspections, to be held from 23 -27 July, follow two campaigns earlier in the year, during which forty-six prohibition notices had to be issued. The circumstances surrounding the death of the worker in Coleraine are still under investigation by the HSENI, but what is certain is that many such accidental deaths are avoidable when health and safety guidelines are adhered to by all concerned.

“Contractors therefore be warned,” added Mr Logan, “if your name continues to appear on prohibition notices, you will be prosecuted.”

(CL)