A ceremony involving the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Congress), Ibec and the HSA will take place at the Hugh Lane Gallery, Parnell Square, Dublin 1 at 9.00 am on 28th April. Workers, businesses, organisations and communities nationwide are also being invited to mark the date.

The theme of this year’s inaugural event is:  Remembering the past for a safe and healthy future.

In the 5 year period between 2010 and 2014, 253 people were killed in work related accidents in Ireland and many thousands more badly injured.

Minister Ged Nash said, “These are shocking figures by any standards.  No job is worth someone’s life, but every year people are killed in foreseeable and preventable work related accidents. It’s only by working together for the common good that we’ll see a significant drop in these horrific numbers, and we all have a responsibility to make sure that happens.”

Minister Nash will represent the Government at the ceremony. Congress will be represented by General Secretary Patricia King; the HSA by Chief Executive Martin O’Halloran and Ibec by Chief Executive Danny McCoy.  These three executives have also jointly signed a letter that is being sent to their members, local authorities and other stakeholders nationwide encouraging participation and support.

Minister Nash continued, “April 28th provides an important opportunity to remember those we have lost and those who have been injured in the workplace.  It also gives us a focal point where everyone – workers and employers – can create awareness and action to ensure a culture of prevention at work.  Workers’ Memorial Day Ireland will be an annual event from now on and I welcome the collaboration and co-operation of Congress, Ibec and the Health and Safety Authority.

“While this is just one day, we want it to have a significance and meaning that carries on throughout the entire year. In setting this agenda, we remember workers lost or injured and families who have lost loved ones.  Nobody should be impacted by a work related accident or fatality. Everyone is entitled to a safe working environment and to return home unharmed each day. We must all remember that and renew our commitment to safety and wellbeing throughout our working lives.”