MS Eithne Fitzgerald, called yesterday for more vigilance to prevent deaths from construction related accidents.
The Minister of State for Labour Affairs said she was alarmed at the increase in the number of deaths so far this year.
Since the beginning of January, 11 people have been killed in accidents at work. Four of these deaths followed construction accidents, while another two involved construction type activities.
The Minister said she was disappointed by these fatalities "The Health and Safety Authority has been working extremely hard over the past few years, in conjunction with the construction industry, to increase safety standards and reduce accidents.
"We had hoped to see a decrease in the number of construction related deaths during 1997 but instead fatalities are higher than for this time last year," she said, adding that two people died in construction accidents during the first quarter of 1996.
Ms Fitzgerald said that while accidents could occur despite the best safety standards, it was vital that all possible precautions were taken, both on building sites and while carrying out maintenance work.
"We all welcome the boom in the construction industry business. However, while both employers and employees may be anxious to take advantage of the current demand, safety standards must never be allowed to slip.
"I would be anxious that the necessary vigilance is applied to all health and safety measures even when there is pressure to complete projects.
The recent deaths were indicative of health and safety issues which had been highlighted in the she said.
Once again these deaths indicate the same problems that crop up with depressing regularity: falls from heights; electrocutions by overhead power cables; injuries from moving vehicles and equipment; and collapsing structures."
Falls from a height account for 40 per cent of all fatalities within the construction industry.