Back to Basics campaign drives renewed safety action across Irish construction sites

The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has launched its 2025 Back to Basics campaign, urging construction firms across Ireland to refocus on the essential practices that prevent falls and save lives. Running until 24 October, the initiative highlights the need for stronger safety culture and active on-site vigilance.

Over the past decade, 70 construction workers have died from falls, with six more fatalities already reported this year. CIF Director of Safety and Training, Sean Downey, said the industry must prioritise consistent implementation of safety protocols rather than viewing them as compliance checklists.

The campaign centres on five key themes: safety leadership, working with utilities, developing new talent, managing critical risks, and fall prevention. Construction firms are encouraged to hold workshops, toolbox talks, and site-wide events aligned with these topics throughout October.

Downey reminded employers that any work involving a risk of falling requires proper controls, not just at two metres or higher where regulations mandate protection. “Falls can occur at any level. The goal is to ensure every task, regardless of height, is approached with safety first,” he said.

Back to Basics aims to drive proactive safety awareness across all levels of construction, from management to site operatives, reinforcing that every worker has a role in preventing accidents.

Read the full article to see how this national initiative is reshaping Ireland’s approach to construction safety.