What's Inside |
What do rugby and construction safety have in common?
At first glance, not much. But both rely on one core pillar for success – teamwork. Every player has a role, and every decision can impact a site team. For Ireland-based contractor Conack Construction, this philosophy has driven a renewed approach to site safety with HammerTech’s support.
As the main contractor for the redevelopment of Galway's iconic Dexcom Stadium, which opened in 1927 and has hosted to Connacht Rugby and greyhound racing ever since, Conack has embraced safety as a collective responsibility – a team sport harnessing the all-in-one safety intelligence platform so everyone can play their part to keep each other safe on-site.
"This huge, fantastic structure has just risen into the air, and we are delighted to be involved in this project,” says Tom O’Connor, Conack’s Managing Director, speaking to HammerTech on-site in late 2024.
“The original stand had a capacity of 2,000 people; the new stand has increased this capacity to 6,800. It’s really a huge new development,” adds Peter Byrne, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Director at Conack.
Metrics that Matter
80% |
10 - 30 |
9 |
|
Number of forms now being completed by on-site workers |
Minutes per worker saved with digital inductions integrated with site access turnstiles |
Number of languages supported by HammerTech so far |
"HammerTech was the way forward"
Typical challenges of fast-paced construction projects vary – from site teams overloaded with paperwork, fragmented communications, compliance gaps, and process inefficiencies.
But for Conack, these challenges were compounded by the complexities of maintaining an operational dog track with multiple race meetings per week, hosting concurrent rugby matches, and ensuring seamless access for emergency services and camera crews on match days.
Adding to the logistical hurdles were protected heritage structures like the historical wall on the south perimeter, and the site’s high-wind conditions – complicating lifts for the stadium’s precast structure. These factors not only added layers of complexity to planning but also required innovative problem-solving to keep the project on track.
"Our number one goal as a company is to make sure everybody gets home safe,” says Tom.
Before migrating worker onboarding to HammerTech, managing inductions, permits, and safety documentation across multiple teams and subcontractors was time-consuming and error-prone — a common theme with paper-based safety systems.
Recognising the need for a smarter solution, the Limerick-based contractor conducted extensive market research that ultimately led them to HammerTech – a decision that transformed their entire safety management approach.
“We identified a couple of years ago that automating systems is the way forward. We did a lot of market research, we tested them all, and we decided HammerTech was the way forward.”
Tom O'Connor, Managing Director at Conack
With the HammerTech safety intelligence platform, safety processes are streamlined and accessible. Tasks that may have once overwhelmed the safety team are now shared across the workforce, empowering field teams to take ownership of safety operations.
Take Risk Assessment Method Statements (RAMS) submissions, streamlined via HammerTech for review, approval and version control. Platform features include automated SMS & email updates when RAMS are changed so workers who need to know, stay informed.
"When we initially started, all the paperwork was done by the safety team,” adds Peter. “Now, at least 80 per cent of forms are being completed by the guys on the ground, which is really what I want."
Singing From the Same Hymn Sheet
“The construction industry in Ireland has gone through some serious changes over the last few years,” says Peter. “This includes an influx of different nationalities coming into the industry to address various skills shortages.
“This diversity is a good thing for the sector, but it can bring communication challenges. It’s critical that all workers can access, understand, and act on documents relevant to them.”
HammerTech supports nine languages so far, including Polish, Romanian and Ukrainian.
Eleven additional languages are also available for key platform features, including Worker Registration, Menu, Public Project Pages, and custom fields that have been configured for that language.
Tom also highlights the automated, end-to-end facial recognition turnstile site access – powered by Irongate – that integrates with HammerTech’s digital inductions. This system saves between 10–30 minutes per worker on average.
“At the click of a button, I can download a safety statement, a method statement, an action statement or Safe Passes etc. And by connecting that to the turnstile, we make sure that the people who come on-site are qualified to do what they have to do on the site.”
"I'll tell you straight - it is a good investment"
Conack’s commitment to safely and efficiently delivering the Dexcom Stadium redevelopment reflects a broader mission to create spaces that positively impact communities. And by leveraging HammerTech, Conack ensures that this and other future projects meet the highest safety standards.
“I'll tell you straight, it is a good investment,” says Tom. "From a health and safety perspective, it has brought us up to the next level to ensure site safety and the safety of all our staff.
Site Foreman James Towey of specialist subcontractor Vertex Roofing Systems echoes his sentiments: "HammerTech is better than paper and ink any day. It's just a click of a button and you're up and running – it's so simple.”
By implementing optimised systems and processes that embed safety in its daily operations, the contractor ensures everyone — from management to site teams — remains accountable for consistently high safety standards.
“We've started other new projects recently and we're bringing contractors from site to site,” Peter adds. “They're coming in and knowing HammerTech intuitively from the beginning.”
Much like a rugby team working in unison, Conack and HammerTech have demonstrated that safety truly is a team sport – long may it continue!
About Conack
Established: 2008
Started using HammerTech: April 2023
Conack Construction is a leading Irish building and civil engineering contractor, delivering high-quality projects across multiple sectors. Since its establishment in 2008, Conack has experienced rapid growth, becoming a trusted name in the construction industry. With a strong focus on innovation, safety, and efficiency, Conack is dedicated to delivering projects that enhance communities and drive economic progress.
With offices in Limerick, Cork, Galway, and Dublin, Conack is strategically positioned to serve clients nationwide. Its expertise spans a wide range of sectors, including residential, commercial, education, healthcare, pharmaceutical, industrial, retail, and infrastructure. Through a commitment to excellence and collaboration, Conack continues to set industry benchmarks in quality and project delivery.