Construction News August Fastest Rise in New Orders since November 2004

According to the Ulster Bank purchasing managers index for August, the recovery in the Irish construction sector continued to rise in July 2014.The rate of growth in new business quickened sharply to the strongest since November 2004 and the pace of job creation picked up.  The July results marked the eleventh consecutive month of expansion among Irish construction firms.  This rise is linked to higher new orders and the release of projects that had previously been on hold.

New figures from the National Housing Construction index show that house construction around the country has climbed by 66% this year.  The figures show that Westmeath had the biggest % rise in new builds from 19 in 2013 to 55 in 2014, a growth of 189%.  Dublin grew from 593 to 916, an increase of 54%. Roscommon remained the same, 49 new builds in both 2013 and 2014.  All the figures are for the first 6 months of the year, January to June.

Construction News August Safety At Heights Campaign

The Construction Industry Federation has launched a new Safety at Heights summer campaign. Posters and leaflets will be distributed throughout August and September, highlighting the correct procedures of working at heights.

In the leaflets construction site workers and self-employed contractors are asked a series of questions

1. Have I thought about how I am going to do the job safely?
2. Do I have to work at height or can I carry out the work at ground level?
3. Have I got a safe working platform?
4. Do I have safe and secure access to the work area?
5. Am I using the right kind of work equipment?
6. Is my work equipment in good working order?
7. Have I received adequate training, information and supervision?
8. Are the weather conditions safe to work at height?

The Construction Industry Federation Director General Tom Parlon says this is an important initiative as too many accidents are occurring, particularly on small jobs involving repair and maintenance.