Next Thursday, 28th of April 2016, is Workers’ Memorial Day. The 28th of April of every year is the day we remember victims of work accidents and is commemorated in order to sensitise people to the importance of health and safety at work.
Both trade unions and employers worldwide remember those who have been killed or injured in work-related accidents and spread the message that safety cannot be overlooked. According to unions, a stronger legislation together with more frequent and strict inspections is needed, since the numbers of work-related injuries and incidents are still unacceptably high.
In Ireland, during the decade 2006-2016, 526 people have been killed in work related accidents and thousands have been badly injured; last year alone, 56 people have been killed. A lot still needs to be done in order to reduce this number to zero, or at least to achieve a reduction. Companies still need attuning to the importance of health, safety and welfare and the significant contribution they make to a successful business.
The HSA (Health and Safety Authority) of Ireland is trying to spread this message and we too want to promote the importance of a safe working environment. Health and safety at work is not just a company concern, but rather a community one. The date, 28th of April, is an important occasion and an opportunity to really focus on safety, tackle the challenge of protecting workers and making their safety top priority.
The HSA is also promoting the commemoration and requesting action be taken with a number of initiatives:
• Get involved by using the national Workers’ Memorial Day Ireland logo on your website, social media presence, presentations, email signatures, displays and in offices and workplaces.
• In-house training sessions or a toolbox talk
• Website/Social Media/Newsletter content
• Guest speaker presentation to your staff
• Press release to your local/national media, marking your event/the day
If you want to contribute to this campaign or raise awareness in your business, you can visit the HSA dedicated page or the website on the 28th April.
