Following simple steps and checks when driving a vehicle in the workplace can help reduce deaths and injury at work, according to Northern Ireland’s economy minister.
Conor Murphy made the comments as he endorsed the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) ‘Drive Danger Out’ campaign at an event in Parliament Buildings, Stormont.
Since 2012, 36 workers have lost their lives in incidents involving workplace vehicles, with more than 160 having been seriously injured.
Causes of transport incidents may include, being struck by a moving vehicle; falling from a moving vehicle or being stuck in a vehicle which turns over.
Vehicle
The HSENI launched the ‘Drive Danger Out’ campaign last year to promote its ongoing inspection programme aimed at reducing the number of people killed or injured as a result of incidents involving workplace transport.
The awareness campaign includes television and radio advertising, and visits to every council area in Northern Ireland with a mobile billboard to promote the need to be safety conscious when driving vehicles for work.
The campaign also featured social media videos from comedian Colin Geddis, which target younger people, such as apprentices, to promote awareness of the risks associated with workplace transport on a farm, factory, construction site, quarry or any workplace.
Economy Minister Conor Murphy said that the safety of all workers is paramount.
“My Department has adopted the Carnegie definition of a Good Job. It recognises that a Good Job is a Safe Job; one where workers are protected and are safe in their environment.
“‘Drive Danger Out’, is a very effective campaign. It supports the Good Jobs agenda which is key to my department’s vision, and which has been adopted by the Executive in its draft Programme for Government published today,” he said.
HSENI chief executive Robert Kidd said that the campaign aims to encourage everyone driving for work or who may be working around vehicles to stop and think about what they are doing.
“The Safe Site, Safe Vehicle and Safe Driver messages highlight the need to ensure that everything around you, everything in your vehicle and all your actions are set to avoid incidents or accidents,” he said.
The HSENI campaign has also been endorsed by a range of industry representative bodies, including the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU).
