Stop‑work orders issued following propane facility blast
Manitoba’s Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) branch has halted certain operations following an explosion that injured three employees late last month, according to a report.
Irish Government publishes Accelerating Infrastructure - Report and Action Plan
Last week, the Government published Accelerating Infrastructure – Report and Action Plan to help drive the efficient delivery of infrastructure across Ireland.
The Action Plan addresses the 12 barriers to infrastructure development that were highlighted in the Report on Stakeholder Consultation and Engagement with Emerging Themes on Infrastructure, published in July.
Thirty specific, time-bound measures have been designed to remove barriers. These actions represent a transformative approach to streamlining development processes and significantly reducing delivery timelines.
The Report outlines four pillars within which these reform actions fall:
- Legal Reform;
- Regulatory Reform and Simplification;
- Co-ordination and Delivery Reform; and
- Public Acceptance
Speaking today, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:
“The launch of today’s Action Plan is about matching unprecedented investment in infrastructure with action and delivery. With the growth of our population and economy, we need this response – a comprehensive roadmap of targeted actions to tackle the core barriers to delivery of housing, energy, water, public transport and roads infrastructure.
An Taoiseach continued:
“This is not just a plan, it’s a practical pathway to improve delivery, strengthen coordination, and ensure that every euro of public investment delivers real, lasting benefits for communities across the country. Success will require all of us to play our part in driving this reform forward.”
By supporting the delivery of key infrastructure in water, electricity, and transport, this plan will create the foundation for the more timely delivery of housing, enterprise and social development across the country.
Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris said:
“This plan is about reforming and rationalising the laws of our land and simplifying burdensome regulations so that we can enable and accelerate the delivery of key projects up and down the country. We will move quickly on legal and planning reforms. We will streamline decision-making. We will ensure accountability for delivery. We will end the situation where vital national projects are endlessly delayed or obstructed.
Minister Harris continued:
“We will do this not out of impatience, but out of responsibility — because the cost of inaction is too high for families waiting for homes, for communities waiting for transport, for businesses that rely on modern infrastructure to create jobs.”
Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers said:
“This Report and Action Plan set out a bold vision for accelerating the delivery of infrastructure that underpins Ireland’s future. By removing barriers and streamlining processes, we are creating the conditions for faster, more efficient development that supports housing delivery, enterprise, and social progress.
“These measures will not only transform how critical projects are delivered but will strengthen the foundations for sustainable growth and prosperity for generations to come.”
Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Marian Harkin said:
“The target actions contained in this report will make a vital contribution to accelerating the delivery of infrastructure across Ireland. Timely and efficient infrastructure development is essential to meeting the needs of our growing population, supporting economic competitiveness, and achieving our climate and sustainability goals.”
The Report and Action Plan highlights the complex and interconnected processes that stakeholders must navigate to deliver infrastructure projects successfully. In recognition of this complexity, the actions set out in the plan are designed to operate in a coordinated and integrated manner, ensuring a streamlined and effective approach to delivery.
Minister Chambers added:
“This Plan represents a clear and unified commitment to infrastructure delivery across every department, agency and semi state. It sets out not only what must be achieved but establishes the expectation that this government will act decisively to make it happen. The measures outlined are designed to move beyond aspiration to implementation, ensuring that the vision translates into real outcomes for communities and the country.”
The Accelerating Infrastructure – Report and Action Plan can be read here.
Original Article – Gov.ie
Irish Dog Foods
Paper-based documentation and processes limited visibility and the tracking of quality audits, non-conformances, and equipment status across different buildings. Preventative maintenance was difficult to prioritise, track, and report on. As the organisation continued to grow, maintaining consistent health and safety practices and quality standards became increasingly challenging.
Gamechangers: Geolocation for Operational Visibility
Compliance audits, incident investigations, and safety management all hinge on accurate, real-time location data. Yet, many organizations still rely on manual tracking, spreadsheets, or outdated systems, which can lead to gaps in compliance, delayed responses to incidents, and unnecessary operational risk. Geolocation technology is emerging as a gamechanger, offering the ability to monitor, verify, and manage workforce and assets with precision and accountability.
Want to Learn more about our Job Risk Management Module?
Job Hazard Analysis, Pre-task Planning, Safe Work Plan. Different organisations undertake the same process, but have different naming regimens. No matter what you call it, we have it covered through our Job Risk Management (JRM) module.
UK Government plans to train next generation of construction workers
Thousands more young people will be given the opportunity to train as bricklayers, plumbers and engineers as the government creates 13,000 apprenticeship and T Level placement opportunities as part of its plan to transform school buildings.
5 Steps to Start Building a Speak Up Safety Culture
Previously, we explored why Speak Up Safety matters. Understanding the risks of silence, the benefits of early reporting, and the role of culture sets the stage. Now, the focus shifts to how to put this into practice. Culture doesn’t change through slogans or posters. It changes when employees feel safe, supported, and confident that reporting hazards leads to action.
Gamechangers: On-site Safety Observations
Safety observations are proactive reports of hazards, near-misses, or unsafe behaviours. When captured effectively, they can prevent incidents before they occur. Encouraging employees to consistently share observations, especially if they are anonymous, is often a challenge.
UK Department for Environment publish PFAS Plan
The UK's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs published their Policy Paper entitled: "PFAS Plan: Building a safer Future together" on February 3rd.
Canadian Construction Safety Council unveils critical risks framework
Last week, the Canadian Construction Safety Council (CCSC) released its Critical Risks Guideline, a framework designed to prevent serious injuries and fatalities (SIFs) in the sector.
Speak up Safety Culture: Why is it more important than ever?
In high-risk industries, most serious incidents are preceded by warning signs such as near misses, unsafe behaviours, or hazards that someone noticed but did not report. Employees often stay silent because they are unsure how to raise concerns, fear blame, or believe nothing will change.
FlexManager Proud Supporters of the SROWSL
Last week, we were delighted to present prizes to the winners of the Shannon Region Open Water Swim League (SROWSL), an event we’re proud to sponsor. Congratulations to the overall 2025 winner, Cormac Lyons of Limerick Masters, along with all the swimmers who took part across the league.
3 Occupational health and safety (OHS) Solutions for 2026
Q1 is often a time when HSEQ or EHS professionals evaluate the different systems that they have in place for the running of their day-to-day operations. With a fresh perspective on what objectives are being prioritised for the year ahead, utilising an occupational health and safety (OHS) solution can make the difference. Here are 3 such solutions that you can put into focus to ensure your health and safety objectives are not only met, but surpassed.