There have been 27 people in Galway killed in workplace accidents over the past decade.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions came together with the Health and Safety Authority, with support from Ibec and the Construction Industry Federation to mark Workers’ Memorial Day this week.
From 2012 to 2021, there were a total of 481 people killed in work related incidents, with a further 7 killed this year to date.
A commemorative event was held at the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin on Thursday, which was also attended by the family of Lorcan Deasy, who lost his life in a construction incident in Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo in 2018.
As part of the ceremony, the family laid a wreath in honour of Lorcan and all other workers killed while doing their job.
Lorcan’s mother, Marian Deasy said “Today is a day in which we remember my son Lorcan and all the other loved ones lost, and honour their memory.”
“We ask that all businesses and organisations establish stronger safety and health protections in their workplaces to ensure that no other family loses a loved one through a preventable incident.”
President of the ICTU, Kevin Callinan said that Irish trade unions were supporting a European campaign, launched today, for zero deaths at work by 2030.
“We will be talking with employers, the Government and the HSA to gain support for this objective. Every death at work is one too many.”
Dr. Sharon McGuinness, Chief Executive of the HSA, added that worker safety is everyone’s business, and requires a collaborative approach.
Minister of State Damien English said that while it is positive that there was a substantial decline in workplace deaths last year, there can be “no complacency” about the nee to prevent further deaths.
“While it is vital to have strong health and safety regulations in tandem with robust enforcement, the totality of the response must also include full commitment, co-operation and communication at workplace level between employers and workers.”
