What is Safe Pass?

Safe Pass is a one-day safety awareness programme designed for workers on construction sites in Ireland. Its main goal is to improve safety awareness, help workers identify risks, and encourage safer practices to reduce accidents and health issues. The scheme is administered by SOLAS, Ireland’s further education and training authority.

Completing Safe Pass provides workers with essential knowledge, but it does not replace an employer’s legal responsibility under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to provide proper training, supervision, and safe systems of work.

Who Must Complete It?

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013:

• Required for:

  • Construction and craft workers

  • Apprentices

  • On-site security staff

  • On-site delivery drivers (e.g., concrete trucks)

  • Students placed on site

• Not generally required for:

  • Project managers not directly engaged in site work

  • Safety officers working off-site

  • Clients and consultants

  • Supervised visitors

  • Canteen staff

  • Architects, surveyors, or engineers (unless the contractor requires it)

Even when the law does not demand Safe Pass, some contractors may still insist that all on-site staff hold it as part of their safety policy.

Why Is Safe Pass Essential?

• Ensures workers understand potential hazards on construction sites.

• Promotes safe behaviour and reduces risks of accidents.

• Acts as a legal and practical requirement for access to many sites.

• Encourages a stronger culture of safety and well-being across the workforce.