One person has died due to work activity nearly every week over the last decade.
That's according to the HSA which is remembering all those injured or killed in work-related accidents on 'Workers' Memorial Day' today.
It's stressing the need for employers to hold in-house training sessions and to promote safety through their websites and social media.
"If you average out the number of fatal accidents over the last 10 years, nearly every week one person has died due to work activity," Martin O’Halloran, chief executive of the HSA, said.
Clearly, prevention is the best course of action to take. Our message to organisations is simple: protect your people, your business and reputation, by identifying hazardous activity and putting plans in place to reduce risks.
"Don’t wait until an accident or near-miss occurs. Make safety paramount today," he said.
Danny McCoy, chief executive of Ibec, said Workers’ Memorial Day was for everyone to refocus on preventing and reducing the incidence of fatalities and injuries.
"All employers and workers must place their and their colleagues’ personal safety, health, and welfare at the centre of their thinking and organisational culture. Ibec is also committed to supporting the many businesses that are showing their dedication to the health and well-being of their employees," he said.
Patricia King, general secretary of ICTU, said ensuring the safety and welfare of all at work "can never be taken for granted".
"It requires ongoing training, greater awareness, and better co-ordination in the workplace. Crucially, it also requires the input of trade unions and worker representatives into the decisions and policies that shape standards in their workplace. Congress would be supportive of any new initiatives or approaches that have, as their goal, the raising of health and safety standards across all workplaces," Ms King said.
International Workers’ Memorial Day takes place annually around the world on Saturday the April 28th. This worldwide day of reflection is a day of remembrance for workers killed, injured or made ill by their work. #waterford @TheHSA pic.twitter.com/AbqBSfFzs7
— Waterford City & County Council (@WaterfordCounci) April 28, 2018
