The funerals of the two Co Tipperary workmen killed in a building site accident near Toomevara at the weekend take place today, as SIPTU once again demands action on building site safety.
Philip Kennedy (54) of Bunacum, Toomevara, and Martin Hogan (50) of Garnafada, Toomevara, died when a concrete wall collapsed and trapped them on the construction site of a new house. Their burials will take place after requiem Mass in St Joseph's church, Toomevara.
Their deaths bring to 16 the number of fatalities on building sites so far this year, two more than the total of 14 fatalities last year. SIPTU's construction branch secretary, Mr Eric Fleming, estimates that just 2 per cent of builders complied properly with safety standards.
He points out that the last four deaths had occurred in what is a quiet time for the construction industry. Two weeks ago, two men died in a building site accident in Newbridge, Co Kildare.
SIPTU has made legislative proposals for a .03 per cent levy on all construction contracts to fund mobile health and safety units to be operated by the union. "Our sights are very fixed on this. The builders won't stop us," Mr Fleming said.
He also demanded legislation to make it compulsory for all personnel on building sites to be trained and properly certified. This would cut accidents substantially, he said. "People are using pneumatic drills and driving JCBs with no training."
Gardai have completed their inquiry into the Toomevara accident. The case has been referred to the Health and Safety Authority, investigating gardai said. An Authority spokesman said that an inspector had visited the scene and an investigation was ongoing.
