Building sites get child safety warnings

AS primary schools begin their school holidays this week, a construction group is writing to all its members urging them to review safety procedures and ensure children can’t get onto their sites.

The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) wants members to put particular emphasis on preventing access and on the safe and secure storage of machinery, plant and material.

Companies with sites close to residential areas are requested to take extra precautions as long summer days increases the risk of children trespassing.

“The CIF also wishes to draw the attention to parents of the need to alert and advise their children of the risks and dangers of trespassing on building sites. Parents close to construction sites should be particularly vigilant” said a CIF spokesperson.

CIF is also consulting with the teachers’ union, the INTO, with a view to preparing a construction safety awareness pack.

Just last week, a coroner’s court in Antrim heard how Connor Evans, 5, was found dead, lodged in the PVC tubing on a new housing development in Larne.

His family warned against future complacency. Mother Teresa Evans, 28, said: “My one hope is that lessons are learned from my unfortunate experience.”