Safety, Health and Wellbeing Calendar 2024
Quarter 2 (Apr-Jun) – Health and Wellbeing

April 2024

Mental Health

Mental wellbeing, psychosocial risks and work-related stress are among the most challenging occupational safety and health concerns within the Construction Industry. We understand that stress and other mental health related issues can impact personnel within the construction industry. Research collated demonstrates that these concerns are under reported and therefore may not be apparent to those who provide the necessary support or intervention especially at the times when personnel need it most. 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 provides a confidential 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline. In support of the theme for the month, Declan Grady of Jones Engineering has shared a toolbox talk on “Mental Health and Wellbeing”.

May 2024

Skin Cancer  

May 2024 is Skin Cancer Prevention Month. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland, with most cases caused by UV rays from the sun. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a measure of a sunscreen’s ability to prevent sunburn from UVB rays. There is no Sun Protection Factor that can completely block all UVB rays. However, the higher Sun Protection Factors provides higher protection from skin damage. Its is advised to use a minimum Sun Protection Factor of 30 +. The UVA rating measures the level of protection the sunscreen provides against UVA rays. As part of the SunSmart campaign the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme, in collaboration with Healthy Ireland and cross-sectoral partners are working together to support people to protect their skin from the sun. The aim of the campaign is to increase awareness of the steps you and your family can take to protect your skin from the sun and reduce your risk of skin cancer in Ireland.

Please see the useful links below for more information on the Sun Smart Campaign 2024. We may love to see the sun; however, it quickly becomes an occupational hazard to those working in it. We therefore are advised to check the UV Index daily and to follow public health advice in that regard.

Also, this month, the CIF Safety Summit is scheduled for Tuesday the 14^{th of} May at Croke Park; which provides an opportunity to discuss safety and health in today’s construction industry. May also hosts World No smoking Day 2024 which falls on 31^st May. HSE Health and Wellbeing (under the remit of HSE Strategy and Research) is prioritising its efforts to achieve meaningful and measurable results across key Government Policies and Strategies aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of the population. Healthy Ireland is the overarching Government Policy which presents a roadmap for achieving improved health and wellbeing for all in society. Healthy Ireland’s actions and governance mechanisms are reflected in strategies including National Positive Ageing, Tobacco Free Ireland and Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures among others.

In support of the theme of the month, Gerry Keane Director of Safety at Walls shall share a Toolbox Talk on prevention measures working in the heat “Skin Cancer”.

June 2024

Health for All

Health is a personal, social, and economic good, and the health and wellbeing of individuals, and of the population as a whole, is Ireland’s most valuable resource. A healthy population is essential to allow people to live their lives to their full potential, to create the right environment to sustain jobs, to help restore the economy and to look after the most vulnerable people in society. A healthy population is a major asset for society, and improving the health and wellbeing of the nation is a priority for the Government and the whole of society. This means that all sectors of society and the whole of Government need to be proactively involved in improving the health and wellbeing of the population, including the Construction /industry and its employees. When a person experiences health problems, suffers illness or has a disability, the loss of health and wellbeing affects every part of his or her life and those around them. It is vital that this industry is aware of how to encourage best practice to its employees and provide the resources necessary to promote and monitor health for all. The “Construction Workers Health Trust” is dedicated solely to the promotion of better health among construction workers. The rust provides the following benefits:

• provides free on-site health screenings during working hours
• raises awareness of health issues including participating in annual health campaign days
• promotes healthy lifestyles particularly preventative health care
• engages in construction worker health research
• engages with the construction unions and the general construction sector on worker health matters
• partners with other organisations that share our worker health focus

In support of the theme of the month, Joe O’Dwyer at Collen shall share a Toolbox Talk on Transformational Audit focusing on Health for All.

April 2024 – Mental Health and Wellbeing

“On construction sites, workers are faced daily with visible signs around site e.g. ‘wear a hard hat’ but the signs that a co-worker is struggling with their mental health may not be as obvious.  For many years, it was considered taboo to talk about mental health at work and other public places for fear of being judged or labelled. Fortunately, the stigma over talking about mental health is changing.”

Declan Grady, Jones Engineering

May 2024 – Warm Weather and Skin Cancer Awareness

“As we enter a period of potentially very warm weather, the dangers of working outside significantly increases. Knowing how to work safely in hot weather can help prevent heat stress, heat stroke and sunburn.”

Gerry Keane, Walls Construction

June 2024 – Transformational Audit

“The Transformation Audit is a structured assessment tool designed to evaluate an individual’s progress in implementing changes to achieve their goals. It consists of a list of questions that cover various aspects of goal setting, including short-term and long-term objectives. Its primary purposes include encouraging accountability, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, measuring the effectiveness of performance improvement efforts, and ensuring goals can be achieved and maintained long term.”

Joe O’Dwyer, Collen