Potentially fatal hazards at work mostly avoidable, says Nash

The 56 workplace deaths last year and 10 more so far this year is clear evidence large numbers of workers are continuing to expose themselves to potentially fatal, but mostly avoidable, hazards in their jobs, Business Minister Ged Nash has claimed.

Mr Nash made his comments as representatives of the Government, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Ibec, and the Health and Safety Authority, marked Workers’ Memorial Day, a newly established annual commemorative event to remember people killed, injured, made ill and bereaved through work-related activity.

“Preventing and reducing the incidence of fatalities and injuries requires everyone engaged in working life to place their personal safety, health and welfare, and that of their fellow workers, actively at the centre of their thinking and organisational culture,” Mr Nash said.