Ireland launches cross-border plant safety campaign

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), and the Construction Industry Federation have launched the ‘People – Plant – Safe Separation Campaign’. Running from 7 to 18 September 2026, the cross-border initiative aims to reduce fatalities and injuries caused by moving machinery such as excavators, dumpers, telehandlers, and forklifts.

The campaign follows data showing that 25 people died in construction-related incidents involving plant, machinery, or vehicles across the island of Ireland between 2016 and 2025. Inspectors will visit sites to evaluate traffic-management plans, the establishment of exclusion zones, communication between operators and workers, and the competence of plant operators.

Authorities emphasize that preventing these incidents requires a sustained commitment to effective traffic management, proper maintenance, and robust control measures to ensure safe separation between workers and heavy equipment.