Call for safety review in Ireland

The death of a worker at Dublin Port, who died after the truck he was driving was hit by another vehicle, is the seventh such fatality in port and dock environments across the country in the last 24 months, according to SIPTU – Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union.

Ireland’s police, An Garda Síochána, and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) are carrying out inquiries.

SIPTU Ports, Docks and Harbour Organiser, Jerry Brennan, commented: “SIPTU is calling for an immediate meeting with the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation. Heather Humphreys, and health safety officials from within her department. This call to meet with the Minister is also supported by the International Transport Workers’ Federation Inspector for Ireland, Mickey Whelan.

“These tragedies are occurring with frightening and frankly quite sickening regularity. It is beyond my comprehension how the construction industry has had the benefit of a national safe pass certificate requirement for almost 30 years and yet there is no such corresponding national requirement within our ports and docks.”

Port Strategy has contacted Dublin Port for comment.