The Irish Concrete Federation, Independent Concrete Control Management and Aon Insurance held a highly successful industry health and safety conference on February 27th in Portlaoise. The conference provided attendees with positive insights into legislative requirements, safety systems and practices as well as new technologies available to assist the industry. The agenda focused on learning from accident causation, continuous improvement and accident prevention.
The speakers from national authorities with whom the ICF works closely, key industry managers, risk management professionals and welfare organisations, provided thought provoking presentations covering road safety, occupational health, behavioural safety, guarding and risk controls.
Particularly impactful was keynote speaker, James Gorry who shared his journey from a successful construction business owner to overcoming a life-altering accident.
Maria Staunton-Murray from the Health & Safety Authority made a presentation on safe work related road use while Leonard Moore from Kilsaran Concrete, shared some of Kilsaran’s initiatives on vehicle safety. Nicola Walsh from the Road Safety Authority also spoke on the importance of road safety awareness for our industry’s drivers.
Cyril Keegan from HR Desk addressed the management of quarry vehicular traffic and pedestrian safety inside the quarry while Ronan Quinn from Roadstone, Ireland Materials presented on best practice implementation of energy isolation and machinery safety.
Turning to health issues, Natalie Ryan from the Lighthouse Club Construction Industry Charity spoke passionately about the emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support the organisation provides to the construction community and their families and their mental health awareness and support campaign.
Colin Roche, Commandant and Senior Engineer with the Irish Air Corps provided a snapshot of the human behaviours which can lead to accidents in the workplace and Barry Sullivan from AON addressed the conference on the key risks, requirements and practical implementation of controls for occupational health. Kieran Smyth from Techrete Ireland presented a detailed case study on managing air quality in Techrete.
The conference’s final presentation was from Hilary Byrne, Senior Inspector, Health & Safety Authority, outlining findings from recent quarry safety campaigns and outlined plans for 2025 campaigns.
Information stands were provided by AoN Insurance and Risk Management, The Lighthouse Club, Marie Keating Foundation, National Irish Safety Organisation,
Radio Trader, Road Safety Authority and Shorcontrol. In addition, attendees availed of a private basic health check with MedWise who had a nurse in attendance on the day.
