Skip to content Like many other European Union Member States, Ireland requires specific training obligations for workers accessing construction sites, which are considered high-risk environments for health and safety. Preventing accidents and reducing risks in construction activities is a key objective of national worker protection policies. In the Republic of Ireland, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 regulates the construction sector. It establishes mandatory training requirements for personnel working on construction sites.
What is the Safe Pass?
The Safe Pass is a compulsory one-day training course for construction workers, designed to increase workers’ awareness of health and safety risks on construction sites. The course aims to provide participants with the basic knowledge needed to recognize hazards and prevent accidents, helping to create a safer working environment for themselves and others.
During the course, the most common site hazards are addressed, such as working at height, electrical risks, manual handling, the use of machinery, and the movement of vehicles onsite. The training also promotes a culture of safety and highlights the importance of cooperation, clear communication, and compliance with established procedures.
Employers are legally responsible for ensuring that all employees have received the required training before entering a construction site. After completing the course and passing the final assessment, workers are issued the Safe Pass card, which must always be carried while working onsite.
Who needs a Safe Pass
Under Regulation 219 of the 2013 Construction Regulations, Safe Pass is mandatory for all individuals who work on a construction site or who may be exposed to risks from construction activities. This includes:
- Skilled workers and tradespeople,
- Onsite safety personnel,
- Other specifically designated roles as defined by the relevant authorities.
Given that a wide range of workers may access construction sites – including apprentices, trainees, general operatives, and highly experienced workers – the training requirement applies to anyone who performs work on a construction site.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Construction Safety Advisory Committee have issued guidance listing the main roles that must hold a Safe Pass card, including:
- Craft workers,
- Apprentices,
- General construction workers,
- Working chargehands,
- On-site security workers,
- Contractors drivers on-site,
- Delivery drivers on-site (e.g. concrete trucks),
- Students on placement on-site.
In cases where subcontractors are employed, each contractor is responsible for ensuring safety compliance. No worker may carry out construction activities without a valid Safe Pass card.
The training program
Safe Pass training is provided by SOLAS, the national authority for vocational training in Ireland. The one-day course covers several key topics, including:
- Construction site safety and legal framework,
- Risk assessment and hazard identification,
- Working at height, electrical safety, excavation and earth-moving hazards,
- Safe use of equipment, tools, vehicles, and machinery,
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) and strategies to reduce noise and vibration exposure.
How long is a safe pass card valid for in Ireland?
Upon completing the course and passing the final assessment, participants receive the Safe Pass card, which is valid for 4 years. Once the card expires, workers must attend a follow-up training session and pass the assessment again to renew their certification.
Posted Workers in Ireland
To register for the Safe Pass course, participants must have an Irish Personal Public Service Number (PPS Number).
However, workers temporarily posted to Ireland can request a temporary PPS Number from SOLAS specifically for the purpose of attending the training and obtaining the Safe Pass card. This procedure allows foreign companies operating under contracts or subcontracts in Ireland to meet the Irish safety training requirements.
To learn more about the posting of workers to Ireland, please see our dedicated guide.
The importance of safety training on construction sites
Safety training plays a fundamental role in preventing workplace accidents and ensuring safe site operations. Having trained personnel onsite contributes to:
- safer and more efficient work activities,
- reduced risks for workers and employers,
- improved awareness and communication within teams,
- compliance with national safety regulations.
In a dynamic sector such as construction, ongoing training is not only a legal requirement but also an investment in workplace quality, responsibility, and professional standards.