Workplace death figure way off, claims SIPTU

SIPTU has claimed official statistics that put the average number of annual workplace deaths at 60, is far below the true level, which may be as high as 500.

The trade union’s general secretary Joe O’Flynn said: “If we are to improve workplace health and safety, we must first be in possession of all the facts. For example, my union is convinced that the official statistics on workplace deaths do not reveal the true extent of work-related accidents.”

Mr O’Flynn was speaking at the launch of a new pocket guide on the role of the safety representative in Cork. According to the union, the purpose of the pocket guide is to provide union safety representatives with a quick and simple reference to relevant information, including legislation, to enable them to perform their functions effectively and efficiently.

Mr O’Flynn said: “For example, the official statistics in relation to occupational fatalities count only those killed as a result of an accident inside the workplace.

“This figure is around 60 each year — averaged over the past five years. These figures, however, do not include any other work-related causes of deaths. So, for example, those who are killed in work-related traffic accidents are not included.”

He quoted Professor Ray Fuller of Trinity College Dublin, saying the academic had said if those figures were included, they could add another 120 deaths each year to the official statistics.

“Similarly when it comes to death from cancer-related diseases. The National Cancer Registry estimates that 5% of all cases of cancer in Ireland are work-related. If these figures were included, it would add up to 300 more deaths each year.”

Mr O’Flynn added that the official statistics also don’t reflect work-related suicide, which could add another 100 to the figures.

“These figures would bring Ireland’s total level of work-related deaths to at least 500 a year.

“Workers deserve better. To help deal with this appalling situation, safety representatives must be empowered and utilised more in the workplace.

“The guide is intended to be a useful tool in the arsenal of all safety representatives in tackling workplace health and safety issues throughout Ireland.”