All companies must engage with unions to address safety concerns

Marking Workers’ Memorial Day today, Labour workers’ rights spokesperson Marie Sherlock has urged all companies to engage with unions to foster a culture of safety in the workplace. 

Senator Sherlock said:

“Everyone deserves to work in a safe and secure environment, confident in the knowledge that their wellbeing is front and centre in the mind of their employer. 

“Last year, 43 people lost their lives in workplace incidents, with 9 people killed in workplace incidents in the year to date. These accidents cause immense suffering on the family and friends of the deceased, as well as their colleagues. 

“However, it should not take awful incidents like the death of a colleague to prompt engagement on safety concerns in a workplace.

“Proper workplace health and safety is not a luxury to be discarded when times are tough, but an investment for the future.

“Ireland should aspire to provide a safe place for all workers. While not a panacea, ensuring that all companies engage with unions and staff representatives on issues relating to health and safety would represent a clear step in the right direction.”