Members share personal experiences from on and off site to raise awareness of real-life issues affecting people working in the industry
I’d like to begin my safety moment by referring to the famous Manhattan black and white skyline picture ‘Lunch atop a Skyscraper’ taken in 1932.
It shows 11 steel fixers sitting on a steel beam.
While it is an iconic photograph, it shows how far the industry has advanced in terms of safety, both in Ireland and internationally.
The majority of fatalities out of the 11 that occurred in 2023 resulted from falls from heights.
While falling from heights is a big issue for all companies, my company in particular has put a lot of time and training for both managers as well as every person working on our sites.
If a person sees something that is not right, they report it in order to make sure everybody returns home safely after work.
My company continues to emphasise the safety message regarding falls from heights.
We they feel it is important that there is full buy-in from sites and not just from management.
If you have a Safety Moment you’d like to share contact The CIF team.
Help is always at hand
Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity – The Lighthouse 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 [email protected] 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]
