A COMPETITION in which construction workers are challenged to make safe "the building site from hell" has been introduced as part of a new drive to cut the accident rate.
Workers are asked to "X the hazard" in a cartoon building site showing workers, among other things, overloading vans; leaving holes uncovered; and smoking beside highly flammable chemicals.
The message may be simple but necessary, according to Mr Paul Kerrigan, president of the National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO), which is running the campaign with the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF).
"Our members have seen at first hand the dreadful impact that construction site accidents can have on individuals, families, businesses and the economy at large. Many of these accidents could have been avoided if workers on site had been more aware of safety requirements," he said.
Six people have been killed and 163 injured on building sites already this year, according to the Health and Safety Authority. Last year it reported 14 fatalities and 335 injuries.
Mr Kevin Murphy, president of the IIF, warned that the large number of accidents is leading to insurance costs which are "very high" compared to other countries. Last year the cost of claims rose by almost a quarter to nearly Pounds 143 million, he said.
"Insurance premiums cannot fall significantly unless the number and cost of workplace accidents reduce," he added.
NISO volunteers will be visiting 3,500 building sites over the next three months to distribute information packs, posters and competition forms.