Everyone should make greater efforts to reduce workplace deaths and injuries, especially in construction and agriculture, the Minister of State for Enterprise, Trade and Employment said yesterday.
Mr Tom Kitt said workplace safety was not a luxury, it was a necessity.
He appealed to the self-employed and small business operators in all sectors to be more vigilant about their health and safety practices.
He was speaking at the launch of the 1999 annual Programme of Work - Managing Health and Safety in a Changing World, presented by the Health and Safety Authority.
Through 12,000 inspections and a wide range of regulatory contacts, in addition to seminars, use of media, exhibitions, and public information, the authority aims to help people to work in safety.