‘Keep safe as summer winds down’, warns NI Water

School holidays may be more than half done, and perhaps there hasn’t been just as much sunshine as we would have liked, but there’s still an opportunity for danger.

As summer begins to wind down, NI Water is continuing to remind parents in the South Down area about the dangers of children playing at or near our working sites like treatment works, reservoirs and construction sites.

Michael Bergin, Health and Safety Manager at NI Water, explained, “Understandably, natural curiosity will draw children and young people to many of our sites. However, they are not playgrounds, and fooling around at or near them can have dangerous consequences.

“I would urge all parents to continue to explain to their children the dangers of playing in or around these areas. The remoteness of many of our sites could hamper and delay rescue attempts, should such a need arise.

“We would also ask the local community to continue being vigilant against criminal damage and vandalism at NI Water sites. This damage can result in major delays to work schedules aimed at providing local communities with a vital service, and valuable time and money is wasted repairing the damage. Plus, is a ‘bit of fun’ really worth a criminal record when you are caught?

Michael continued, ‘‘Working areas, such as roadworks and pipelaying trenches, are particularly dangerous spots – playing in or near work sites or around machinery can have very dangerous consequences, and the public are advised to stay away from these for their own safety.

“NI Water would appeal for the support of parents to keep children and young people safe by explaining to them the dangers of playing in or around construction sites. Playing near our works areas can have dangerous consequences, and we are keen to emphasise the importance of staying away from works – the safety barriers and warning signs are there for a reason.

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He added, ‘‘We want everyone to enjoy themselves in the weeks before heading back to school. However, it’s important that everyone does so safely, without causing danger or damage to themselves, other people, or property of others. No-one wants to see the empty chair in the classroom in September.’’

NI Water has some simple steps on how to stay safe:

1. Don’t climb on barriers and fences – They are there to protect you from serious injury and accidents when NI Water construction work is underway.
1. Stay away from trenches and open manholes – They are dirty, deep and dangerous. They may also contain hazardous gases.
2. Be careful near roads – never run out from behind parked vans or lorries as you could be knocked down and injured.
3. Keep clear of equipment – You may see machinery, pipes and other equipment, but don’t be tempted – steer clear and don’t touch!
4. Obey ‘Danger’ signs – reservoirs and treatment works can be highly dangerous places, so stay well away and always obey the warning signs.

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Posted by Newry Times News on Aug 24 2016. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry