Nineteen people were killed and 3,500 were injured at work in Northern Ireland between 2006 and 2007, it has been revealed.

The figures were revealed today at a ceremony for International Workers Memorial Day.

Northern Ireland Minister for Health and Safety, Nigel Dodds, joined the Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (NICICTU) at a ceremony to remember those killed at or by work. The Minister also paid tribute to the valuable contribution made by trade unions in working to reduce risks and protect people from injury in the workplace.

"Setting aside time once a year to remember individual tragedies is important and necessary," said Mr Dodds.

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“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. I would like to acknowledge the vital work Trade Union and Workplace Safety Representatives undertake in the workplace and how important that is to the economy.”

He continued: "Workers' Memorial Day is an opportunity to act locally to encourage employers to take on board the important message of effective health and safety management, the need to work with their employees to provide a safe, healthy work environment and to dedicate themselves to preventing workplace deaths, illnesses and injuries.

"The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) is working to achieve the highest standards of best practice for health and safety at work. Continuing co-operation between enforcing bodies, Trade Unions and employers will ensure a healthier, safer workplace and make workplace death and injuries a thing of the past."

(NS/JM)