EMPLOYERS should resist spurious workplace accident claims and discourage exaggerated and opportunistic ones, according to a joint group which has examined workplace safety.

In its interim report, the Initiative on Workplace Safety Group says employers must deal fairly, efficiently and reasonably with accident victims genuinely entitled compensation. Employers should encourage and facilitate the speedy recovery and rehabilitation of injured employees.

Composed of employer, trade union and State representatives, the group was set up to examine the level of workplace accidents, the cost of claims and the system for compensation.

Estimating the total cost of injury claims to business and the State at £400 million last year, it says this cost "is not sustainable and needs to be tackled".

In an interim report presented to the Minister of State for Commerce, Mr Pat Rabbitte, the group recommends a voluntary code of practice for dealing effectively with workplace accidents. It recommends that employers should provide the best local medical attention for accident victims and pay for the immediate medical attention which is not covered by health insurance,