Workers’ Memorial Day 2025 – A Call to Support Safety Representatives
Today, Monday 28th April 2025, we mark Workers’ Memorial Day, a day dedicated to remembering workers who have lost their lives, been injured or contracted illnesses as a result of their work.
On this important occasion, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) are appealing to more employers to support and facilitate the appointment of safety representatives in their workplaces to help foster a strong culture of safety and prevent workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths.
A national commemorative ceremony was held today at the Garden of Remembrance, Dublin, addressed by Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, along with representatives from NISO, the HSA, ICTU, Ibec and the Construction Industry Federation (CIF).
Between 2015 and 2024, 447 people died in work-related incidents across Ireland and many thousands more were severely injured or made ill at work. In 2024 alone, 34 workers lost their lives — a stark reminder that our work to ensure safer workplaces must continue.
Commenting on Workers’ Memorial Day, Fergal McKevitt, NISO President, said:
“On Workers’ Memorial Day, we not only remember those we have lost but we renew our commitment to protecting every worker. Supporting the role of Safety Representatives is a vital part of building a culture where safety is everyone’s priority. We urge all organisations to actively encourage and facilitate worker-elected Safety Representatives.”
While overall fatality rates have declined since the establishment of the HSA in 1989, every work-related death is one too many.
Employers and employees must work together to build workplaces where risks are identified early, and where unsafe practices are challenged and corrected.
The Health and Safety Authority provides free guidance and tools to support safety initiatives, including:
- BeSMART.ie – an online risk assessment tool.
- HSALearning.ie – free online safety courses across multiple sectors.
- Work Positive – a psychosocial risk management toolkit supporting employee wellbeing.
We encourage you to take time today to reflect, to honour those we have lost, and to continue striving for safer and healthier workplaces for all.
For more information on the role of Safety Representatives, please see the HSA information sheet: Becoming a safety representative or joining the safety committee.
(Photographed: Neale Richmond TD, Minister of State for International Development an Diaspora and Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions)
