Northern Ireland Health and Safety Minister Arlene Foster has warned against complacency in the wake of good news with the lowest recorded number of deaths at work in decades. Seven people lost their lives in work-related accidents in 2009, which is a 60% reduction on the previous year’s figure.
Speaking at a conference organised by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSE NI), the Minister commented, “While such a dramatic reduction is to be welcomed, it should not allow us to become complacent. Behind each statistic lies a heartbreaking story. Seven lives were lost last year, which in turn means seven families have been devastated by the unexpected death of a loved one.”
She continued, “The recent establishment of a joint HSE NI and district council working group will take forward plans to develop a long term health and safety at work strategy for Northern Ireland. This draft strategy will be available for public consultation in July and will set the future direction for health and safety regulation to 2020 and beyond.”
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