The building boom is taking its toll on inexperienced workers, according to the Construction Industry Federation (CIF).

Twelve people died in accidents on building sites in the 11 months to the end of November, compared to 16 in the same period of the previous year.

The number of people injured was 844 people were injured compared to 601 the previous year - and the figure this year is expected to rise substantially when a backlog of accidents is entered into the record.

Mr Peter McCabe, director of safety, environmental and manpower services with the CIF, said: "Many of the people joining the industry are young people unused to working at heights, in poor weather and awkward site locations."

The CIF has sought £5 million (€6.35 million) from the National Training Fund towards the cost of training which would include safety.