Figures released this month have shown that 19 people died and around 3,500 were injured at work in Northern Ireland during 2006/07.
The statistics were revealed on International Workers' Memorial Day - a ceremony held to remember those who have lost their lives. Minister for Health and Safety Nigel Dodds joined the Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions at the event. The minister paid tribute to the contribution made by trade unions in working to reduce risks and protect people from injury in the workplace.
Mr Dodds commented, "Setting aside time once a year to remember individual tragedies is important and necessary. Workers should be guaranteed the right to a safe workplace and employers must be accountable for workers' health and safety. All accidents are preventable - that message must be conveyed and understood by employers."
For more information, see:
