Buildsafe initiative aims to save workers' lives

A major new initiative has been launched which is aimed at improving the health and safety record of the construction Industry.

Buildsafe-NI will run under the auspices of the Construction Industry Forum for Northern Ireland, and will bring together Government, the construction industry, trade unions and the Health and Safety Executive (HSENI) to address a wide range of mutual interests.

The initiative was launched by Ian Pearson MP, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, during a visit to the construction site of the new Radisson Hotel in Belfast.

Speaking during a tour of the site, Ian Pearson said: “I have been concerned for sometime at the very poor safety record of the construction industry in Northern Ireland. The figures speak for themselves - in the past decade 44 construction workers have been killed and more than 500 severely injured. Putting a halt to this carnage has to be a priority for everyone concerned.

“Eliminating the human cost of health and safety failures throughout the construction industry is an absolute priority and that is why today I am launching Buildsafe-NI, an initiative aimed at reducing accidents on building sites.”

George Stewart, Chairman of the Construction Industry Group said: “The construction industry shares the Minister’s concerns. There is a strong consensus within the industry on the need to deliver improvements in health and safety.

Peter Bunting, Assistant General Secretary ICTU, also welcomed the development, adding: “We must see an end to deaths and injuries. Buildsafe-NI, I have no doubt, will help in that regard provided we get the co-operation necessary from all concerned and to that end my hope is that labour only sub contractors fully meet their obligations under health and safety at work legislation.”

(CL)