Personal injury news

Construction workers killed in accidents at work

A new study has revealed that fatal construction site accidents at work are three times more likely to occur in Northern Ireland than anywhere else in the UK.

The latest statistics have shown that more work should be done in preventing future possible fatal accidents in the workplace for people in Northern Ireland.

According to the figures, seven construction workers were killed in work accidents last year and six people have already died from workplace accidents this year.

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland has been studying the recent findings.

Deputy Chief Executive, Dr Bryan Monson said, "We have a very large industry here with lots of small companies and in the past, when we have looked at information where accidents happen, there is a higher proportion in small-sized companies.

"This could be because they tend not to have a health and safety manager, It's down to a lack of education and resources."

Mr Monson is optimistic about the future of health and safety standards in Northern Ireland and believes the number of accidents at work on construction sites will be reduced.

He said, "We believe that all risks are manageable and we will take companies to court. Five companies were prosecuted in 2005/06, all of which were construction sites."