Safety, Health and Wellbeing Calendar 2023
Quarter 1 (Jan-Mar) – Health & Wellbeing

Health & Wellbeing

The CIF has developed a Safety, Health and Wellbeing Calendar for 2023 to address the key focus areas for construction for the forthcoming year. Building upon the success of the annual Construction Safety Week, the intent is to promote a high level of focus on essential site safety considerations, as perceived by the CIF Safety and Health Subcommittee. Additionally, the calendar endeavours to provide an itinerary of key diary events for each calendar month to reflect national and international campaigns for safety, health and wellbeing.

The CIF for its part will provide toolbox talk materials and/or videos for each topic, which may be downloaded from the webpage to assist in communications. Additionally, persons are encouraged to share any lessons learned / best practices in health and safety through the CIF’s dedicated platform: L esson Learned / Best Practice in Health & Safety.

January 2023

Fairness, Inclusion and Respect
To coincide with the theme, Dearbhla of SheConstructs recorded a 2-min. video entitled ‘Fairness, Inclusion & Respect’ and Jacinta M. Kitt has facilitated a 27-min. recorded webinar on The Importance of a Positive Work Environment for Effectiveness and Wellbeing.

From 11^th January, ‘Ireland Lights Up (getirelandwalking.ie)’, with many GAA clubs putting on their floodlights so their community can walk and talk in a safe environment.

Attention is also drawn to Lung Cancer Awareness and to Cervical Cancer Screening; all women aged 25-65 are advised to have regular cervical screening tests.

February 2023

Mental Health
The CIF is delighted to support the work of the Lighthouse Club – The Construction Industry Charity, who provide emotional, physical and financial wellbeing assistance to our construction community. The charity also provides a confidential 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline. In support of the theme for the month, Niamh McNulty, HSQE Manager for Coffey, has shared a toolbox talk on Mental Health and Self-care.

On 4^th Feb, we acknowledge World Cancer Day 2023. Cancer is attributed to the death of 10 million persons annually across the globe. More than 1/3 of cancer cases are preventable by taking measures to reduce personal exposure to tobacco, obesity, physical inactivity, infections, alcohol, environmental pollution, occupational carcinogens and radiation. Another 1/3 of cancers are curable when detected early and treated properly.

March 2023

Intoxicants
The abuse of an intoxicant (alcohol or drugs or prescribed drugs or over the counter prescriptions) may impair an individual’s overall wellbeing and ability to perform their job safely. As employees, we are all required to be fit for work and to remain fit to work throughout our shift. Bernie McDonnell, Drug Prevention Specialist, has prepared a series of explanatory videos for construction workers and their families – see Useful Video links.

Check out HSE guidance on Alcohol and Smoking. We are reminded that 1 in 2 smokers worldwide will die of a tobacco-related disease.

The Lighthouse Club’s Tour campaign commences in Ireland from 6^th March. Any Construction Companies in Ireland seeking a site visit for 2023 may register their interest here: #MakeItVisible

International Women’s Day 2023 falls on 8^th March and is an opportunity to #EmbraceEquity. Please join the CIF in Dunboyne Castle on 8^th March to discuss the importance this theme, with female representation at 9% of the overall construction workforce.

Member Toolbox Talks

January 2023 – Dignity at Work

“Fundamental to the concept of equality and respect for others in the
workplace is that the work environment should be free from any activity
that adversely affects the dignity and respect of people in the
workplace.”
Joe O’Dwyer, Head of Health & Safety, Collen

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February 2023 – Winter Driving Checklist

“Enclosed is a winter driving checklist I rolled out prior to the recent cold snap. I obtained information from the RSA and HSA websites. It covers tips for driving in the winter and in adverse conditions, from being
prepared prior to the journey, being aware of hazards on the road, and tips in the event of a breakdown.”
Colum Costello, Group EHS Manager, SUIR Engineering

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February 2023 – Mental Health & Self-care

“At Coffey, we place a high priority on the physical safety, health, and mental well-being of our employees. We have implemented a Health and Wellbeing Programme that includes an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and have trained members of the Health, Safety, Quality, and Environment (HSQE) and Human Resources (HR) teams, as well as others, in Mental Health First Aid to provide support and assistance to our employees so they can be the best possible versions of themselves.”
Niamh McNulty, HSQE Manager, Coffey

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March 2023 – Intoxicants at Work

“In the event that an employee is intoxicated while at work, it can pose several serious health and safety risks. These risks include stress, aggression or violence, and danger while driving, operating machinery, or working at height. Disciplinary action is usually served on the basis of work performance reviews or risk, rather than on the basis of alcohol and substance abuse. So as an employer, what are your duties regarding intoxicants at work? ”

Raymond Moore, Project HSE Advisor, Walls Construction

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