Workers’ Memorial Day was marked with a national commemorative event yesterday in Dublin.
One Donegal person was remembered among the 26 work-related fatalities in 2022.
Across Ireland, 461 people were killed in work-related incidents over the ten-year period from 2013-2022. In the first quarter of this year alone five people have been killed in work-related incidents.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Health and Safety Authority, with support from Ibec, the Construction Industry Federation and the National Irish Safety Organisation, joined together on Friday at the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin to honour those lost and seriously injured through work-related incidents.
Of the 27 work-related fatalities recorded in 2022, 10 were employees, 13 were self-employed and three were non-workers. Farming continued to be one of the most dangerous sectors in which to work, with 12 fatalities recorded in 2022. The age groups 55-64 and 65 years and over represents 69% of all fatalities in 2022.
Mark Cullen, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the HSA said: “As Ireland’s labour force is aging, we must all look to our workplace practices, and ensure that health and safety is being prioritised across all workforce age groups. We’re urging employers and their workers this Workers’ Memorial Day to think about the task you’re asking others to carry out, or that you are about to undertake. Complete a risk assessment and make sure the right precautions are in place and nobody is putting themselves or others in danger.”
The Health and Safety Authority has guidance and supports available across industry sectors in Ireland and the www.BeSMART.ie tool is freely available to employers and employees.
