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.