Play safe, Stay Safe this Easter

Michael Bergin, Health and Safety Manager at NI Water, said: “It is understandable that natural curiosity will draw children and young people towards our sites. However, these are working sites, not playgrounds, and fooling around at or near them can have very serious consequences.

“I would urge all parents 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.

“Similarly, we would also encourage parents to highlight the dangers of reservoirs and open bodies of water. Reservoir water is extremely cold at all times of the year, and these sites, with cold, deep water and constantly operating machinery, are particularly dangerous.

“I am also asking the local community to be vigilant against vandalism at NI Water sites. This damage can cause major delays in work schedules aimed at providing local communities with a vital service and valuable time and money is wasted repairing the damage.

‘‘Everyone is glad to see the arrival of spring and longer evenings, but it is still very important to take care when you are around work sites. What seems like harmless fun could very easily end in injury or worse – play safe and stay safe this Easter.’’

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

Don’t climb on barriers and fences - They are there to protect you from serious injury and accidents when NI Water construction work is going on.

Stay away from trenches and open manholes - They are dirty, deep and dangerous. They may also contain hazardous gases.

Be careful near roads - never run out from behind parked vans or lorries as you could be knocked down and injured.

Keep clear of equipment - You may see diggers, lorries, pipes and other equipment, but don’t be tempted - steer clear and don’t touch!

Obey ‘Danger’ signs - reservoirs and treatment works can be very dangerous places, so stay well away and always obey the warning signs.