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.

Wed, 29 Apr, 2015 - 01:00

Stephen Rogers

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.

“This must also be supported by their employers in compliance with best practice.”

He said there had been a welcome decline in the number of workplace fatalities over the last 25 years and the downward trend was continuing.

“In 1989, there were almost five deaths per 100,000 and this is now down to just over two. But, no workplace fatality is acceptable. One death is one too many,” he said.

In the five-year period between 2010 and 2014, 253 people were killed in work related accidents and many thousands were injured and made ill. On average, more than one person a week died in work-related accidents in Ireland in 2014, 56 deaths in total, including five children.

Martin O’Halloran, chief executive of the Health & Safety Authority, said most employers were aware that they must protect workers from physical harm but were less aware of their duty to protect their health and wellbeing.

“It’s important to understand that illness, as a result of work activity, is just as serious as an accident. Organisations need to take appropriate action to ensure that workers are adequately protected,” he said.

Impact trade union said there was a need for workplace inspection rates to be increased.

“The Health and Safety Authority plays a vital role in preventing workplace death and injury,” said its assistant general secretary Geraldine O’Brien. “Workplace inspections are critical in maintaining standards and, as the economy continues to grow and more people return to work, we need to ensure that the rate of workplace inspection keeps pace with that growth.”