Globally, 6,300 people die every single day due to workplace accidents. In Ireland, our numbers are much smaller, with 14 recorded deaths so far in 2017 and 45 recorded workplace deaths in 2016.
World Day for Health and Safety at Work was established 14 years ago to create awareness, encourage safer workplace environments and to memorialise the lives that have been lost due to workplace accidents. It is held on 28 April and has been observed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 2003.
The day has evolved to be an opportunity to memorialise those who have lost their lives due to workplace accidents, also marked as Workers Memorial Day. This year is the third year the day has been observed in Ireland. Organisations including Congress, Ibec, Construction Industry Federation, Health & Safety Authority and Ayrton Group are all observing a minute of silence to remember the lives lost and are inviting other businesses to join in.
We invite you to join us in observing a minute of silence, in remembrance of the lives who have been lost, and to move forward dedicated to a safer workplace environment throughout Ireland.
