Increased safety culture needed on construction sites
THE CONSTRUCTION Industry Federation (CIF) is urging companies in Galway to strengthen safety culture on sites as data reveals an increase in the number of fatalities.
The call is part of the annual 2026 Construction Safety Campaign by CIF running across two weeks from now until Friday, October 23. It is aimed to help protect the safety, health and welfare of workers in the industry.
The theme for the campaign ‘Back to Basics’ has been intentionally repeated from last year to highlight the need for continued efforts to prevent site accidents.
Recent figures from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) recorded a total of eight construction related deaths in Ireland up to the third week of October 2026. This represents 40 per cent of the total number of work-related fatalities so far this year.
Director of Western and Midland region services with the Construction Industry Federation, Justin Molloy said that while the number of fatalities so far is lower than the 11 construction related deaths recorded across 2025, it is already higher than the five recorded deaths in 2024.
“Falls from a height remain a significant contributor to construction-related fatalities while incidents involving mobile plant and equipment are becoming more significant,” highlighted Mr Molloy.
Analysis of 2022-2024 data by the Construction Safety Partnership Advisory Committee found that 95 per cent of construction fatalities during that period involved experienced workers aged 35 and over.
The analysis also found that 82 per cent of reported fatalities occurred on sites employing four or fewer workers, compared with 9 per cent on sites employing 20 or more.
“These findings underline that no worker or site is immune to risk. Continued vigilance, effective project supervision and adherence to safe systems of work are essential, regardless of experience or project size,” commented Mr Molloy.
He urged the construction companies in Galway to take part in the campaign, review their safety practices and engage with their teams to strengthen safety culture across the industry.
For more information on CIF’s 2026 Construction Safety Campaign, visit: www.cif.ie.