Members share personal experiences from on and off site to raise awareness of real-life issues affecting people working in the industry
I want to share my experience of attending the Project Supervisor in Construction Stage training course at the CIF and emphasis the importance of such courses for subcontractors in sectors like painting and decorating, where they often function as main contractors in refurbishment, maintenance, and conservation projects.
Despite perceptions that such training might only be relevant to larger building contractors, the knowledge gained from health and safety training was invaluable to me personally and to my company.
It made a significant difference in being a qualified contractor. There are challenges presently facing the painting and decorating industry, particularly concerning apprenticeships.
In recent years, there has been a significant decline in apprentice numbers across all wet trades, necessitating a review of the current four-year apprenticeship scheme to update its content and align it with modern practices.
With two members of the Master Painters & Decorators Association of Ireland (MPDI) on the Review Committee, there’s hope that the revised scheme will ensure sustainability.
Maintaining adequate apprentice numbers is crucial for ensuring continued health and safety training in the sector and upholding quality and professionalism in the trade.
Additionally, regulations regarding product training, particularly for spraying equipment and specialised products are not as readily available in Ireland compared to other countries like the UK.
There’s a concern that without proper training, anyone can purchase and use specialist products, many of which are solvent-based, posing health and safety risks.
Therefore, the apprenticeship programme plays a vital role in training painters on the proper use of hazardous chemicals, waste handling, and safety precautions.
A suggestion would be for registered employers to be required to hold a chemicals license, which architects and designers can then verify upon project completion.
Help is always at hand
Lighthouse Club – The Lighthouse Club, the Construction Industry Charity, supported by the CIF, offers a FREE 24/7 confidential employee assistance helpline and app for everyone in the Irish construction industry. The Helpline can be called anytime on 1800 939 122, and the app ‘Construction Industry Helpline’ can be downloaded for free from Apple and Google Play app store.
Build Health – ‘Build Health’ is a joint initiative between the CIF, Laya Healthcare and Spectrum Life that can support both employers and employees. See www. wellbeing.spectrum.life/cif/ for more
Construction Workers’ Sick Pay Trust – The trust is committed to the promotion of better health, including mental health and wellbeing for all workers in the construction sector. For information on how to claim, please visit www.cwspt.ie or email sickpay@ cwspt.ie or call 01-4977663.
50808 – The Health Services Executive offers a text-based mental health service. A free 24/7 text service providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support for people going through mental health or emotional crisis. For free 24/7 support in a crisis, free text ‘HELLO’ to 50808.
Pieta House – To speak with a therapist any time, day, or night, freephone 1800 247 247 or text ‘HELP’ to 51444.
Aware – Freephone Aware’s Support Line is available Monday to Sunday from 10am – 10pm on 1800 80 48 48 or email: [email protected]
Samaritans – If you need someone to talk to, the Samaritans can provide one-to-one help 24-hours per day. Freephone 116 123 or email: [email protected]
