Unit to tackle workplace accidents

DUBLIN - Ireland's biggest trade union, SIPTU, has established a dedicated safety, health and welfare unit to tackle the problem of accidents in the workplace. The union says it intends to provide advice to workers and local trade union officials and is in response to the increasing number of accidents in the workplace which have increased by 18% in recent years. The construction industry is regarded as particularly dangerous, with the rate of accidents increasing by 14% since 1996.