Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Joe Dunne/Photocall Ireland
personal injury
Council pays thousands in compensation for staff needle stick injuries
Dublin City Council also spent €7.7 million on settlements for public injuries last year.
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL paid out some €8.32 million last year in staff and public injury claims.
According to figures released to Councillor Jim O’Callaghan, a total of €11 million has been paid out by the council on compensation claims since 2012, with the bulk of it spent last year.
Most of the money last year was spent paying compensation for claims from the public, with €7.7 million in settlements being paid. The main types of injuries were broken limbs, facial injuries and shoulder and back injuries.
The council also paid €617,325 for employee claims. As the table below shows, the number of claims made by staff has increased in the last three years, but the settlement costs have gone down.
Types of injuries among staff would include back injuries, limb injuries and needle stick injuries, according to the council.
O’Callaghan said the council should review its measures and introduce safer systems of work for employees. He said the high numbers of needle stick injuries are of particular concern and bring focus on the provision of personal protection equipment and appropriate training for staff.
Dublin City Council has said it monitors the causes of claims “very carefully”.
“The Central Claims Unit works closely with each department helping them to identify the risk factors and discusses what preventative measures can be taken. Risk management is taken very seriously.”
have your say