A new offence of corporate manslaughter should be introduced immediately, the State's largest union said today.
Speaking at the protest outside the offices of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) today, Siptu's Eric Fleming said: "This offence has already been recommended by the Law Reform Commission, but their report is gathering dust on a shelf somewhere.
He said the Government initially welcomed the report but "clearly the employers have been lobbying against its introduction.
"Penalties for breaches of health and safety regulations are still too low
- some contractors can even factor in the death of a worker into their costs and still make a profit."
He said stiffer penalties including jail sentences should be imposed for failure to comply with health and safety standards.
There were 73 workers killed last year, with construction and agriculture the most hazardous sectors.
The Labour Party was also among several organisations taking part in a protest outside the HSA to mark International Workers' Memorial Day.
"Two million people are killed at work every year according to the International Labour Organisation. Workers' Memorial Day remembers those who have died as a result of workplace accidents and reminds us of the need for better safety standards," said Dublin North TD Sean Ryan.
The protest was led by the family of Justin Foley, a 21-year-old transport clerk who was crushed by an articulated truck as he attempted to load it in Ballymun.
The inquest into his death found there were no safety procedures in place and returned a verdict of accidental death.
