Govt urged to introduce corporate manslaughter offence

Campaigners are calling on the Government to introduce an offence of "corporate manslaughter" in an effort to improve workplace safety.

The National Irish Safety Organisation says legislation should be introduced to allow employers to be prosecuted for manslaughter if their negligence leads to the death of an employee.

More than 70 people died as a result of workplace accidents last year.

The NISO claims its proposals would significantly reduce that figure by compelling employers to put appropriate health and safety procedures in place.