A collective, consistent approach is critical to driving safety excellence across the industry was the key theme of the Jacobs inaugural Safety Symposium, held at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin, recently.

Sector experiencing annual growth of 10%

With 150,000 people working in construction in Ireland and the sector experiencing annual growth of 10%, a sustainable safety culture is critical to keeping people safe.

The supply chain’s complexity and increased tiering means making sure all partners – from major contractors to sole traders – adopt a consistent safety approach to safely and efficiently deliver projects. 

Featuring presentations and panel discussions from leading experts including CEO of the Health and Safety Authority Dr Sharon McGuinness, Jacobs senior vice-president and Jacobs global head of safety Catriona Schmolke, and Jacobs culture manager Europe Tom Parsons, these contributions focused on the need for collective responsibility and a collaborative approach to driving safety excellence across the industry, as well as the far-reaching benefits of a sustainable safety culture.

Jacobs vice-president and general manager Micheál O’Connor said: “Fostering a robust safety culture throughout the construction supply chain is fundamental to our collective success. Safety is the right way to execute work, not an add-on for consideration. At Jacobs, through our BeyondZero culture of caring, we are committed to driving safety excellence within and beyond our organisation.

'Win-win for colleagues and clients alike'

“Our people - at every level of our business and across every function - are empowered to be accountable for their actions when it comes to health and safety, and the result is a win-win for colleagues and clients alike.

"This Safety Symposium marks another important milestone in our ambition to elevate our industry’s safety standards and reap the benefits that come with a commitment to keeping people safe.”

CEO of the Health and Safety Authority Dr Sharon McGuinness said: “Bringing together everyone in the business of construction is a really positive way for all stakeholders to collaborate and make the sector safer for all, and I very much welcome Jacobs showing leadership on this critical issue for the industry.

“Construction workplace deaths more than doubled last year from five to 12, and there really is no room for complacency. Having a strong safety culture in an organisation is vital and the leaders in the sector must drive and promote good health and safety practice.”