Deaths prompt crackdown on workplace dangers

Safety chiefs vowed today to crack down on dangers in the workplace after the worst month for labour-related deaths in a decade.

Minister of State Tony Killeen said the authorities could not afford to take their foot off the pedal in terms of enforcement, inspection of workplaces and making awareness a top priority.

The Health and Safety Authority revealed eight people have been killed in workplace accidents during the first month of 2005 – half of whom were self-employed or working with small businesses.

Mr Killeen said the HSA had put forward an ambitious programme of work for the year to reverse the alarming rate of deaths and accidents.

“The key emphasis is on the prevention of workplace accidents,” he said.

“While the statistics for workplace fatalities showed a decline last year at 50 overall, the trend so far this year is alarming.

“I am appealing to everyone in the workplace, whether as an employee or employer, to take care, be aware and prevent accidents.

Figures from the HSA revealed that 50 work-related deaths were reported last year compared to 65 in 2003. The authority said they were launching a two-pronged attack on dangers in the workplace to cut the number of deaths.

Tom Beegan, HSA chief executive, said he hoped the preventative and enforcement strategy would help reduce deaths and injuries.

“I am deeply concerned that 2005 has started out with eight fatalities so far making it the worst January in a decade,” Mr Beegan said.

“We need employers and workers to see health and safety as a vital part of their working requirements and not some optional extra.

“The costs of failure both in human and commercial terms are immense. It saves money in the long-run to put health and safety at the core of companies’ activities and we know it will save lives.”

The HSA aims this year to,

:: Put prevention at the top of the agenda through new initiatives, alliances and targeted programmes

:: Increase the number of workplace inspections and set up a Special Investigations Unit

:: Assist workplaces with the implementation of the new Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act when enacted later this year

:: Develop a national strategy for occupational health

:: Continue restructuring the HSA to facilitate more contact with workplaces directly and indirectly

:: Launch a Health Audit Tool pilot project which will result in a comprehensive and more effective integrated health, safety and clinic system within the Health Service.