The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) released its findings today, indicating that 43 individuals lost their lives in work-related incidents in 2023 in Ireland.
The statistics highlight sustained concerns regarding fatalities in specific sectors, notably farming and construction, which collectively accounted for over two-thirds of all reported fatalities in 2023. Farming recorded 16 fatalities, while construction reported 11, both linked to high-risk activities such as working with vehicles and falls from heights.
Over the past decade (2014-2023), the HSA records a consistent decline in the rate of fatalities per 100,000 workers in Ireland, dropping from 2.8 in 2014 to 1.6 in 2023. However, despite this positive trend, certain sectors continue to witness significant fatalities.
The data revealed that individuals aged 55 and above suffered the highest number of fatal incidents in 2023, with 22 reported cases compared to 10 in 2022. Furthermore, self-employed individuals accounted for 53% of the total fatalities last year.
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing emerged as the sectors with the highest fatalities, totalling 20, of which farming alone accounted for 16 deaths in 2023. The construction sector followed closely behind with 11 reported work-related fatalities.
Triggers such as incidents involving vehicles (13 fatalities) and falls from height (11 fatalities) remained the primary causes of work-related fatalities in Ireland throughout the year.
Mark Cullen, Assistant Chief Executive at HSA, expressed concern over the persisting high fatalities in particular sectors, especially farming, where over half of the victims were 65 years or older. Cullen stressed the importance of meticulous risk assessments and the implementation of appropriate safety measures before undertaking any work, particularly among the self-employed.
Addressing the need for preventive measures, Cullen highlighted the obligation of duty holders, including employers and the self-employed, to ensure workplace safety, emphasising that every work-related fatality is preventable.
The HSA’s Programme of Work for 2024 aims to address these concerns through proactive inspections and targeted campaigns, specifically focusing on high-risk sectors like agriculture and construction. The programme also identifies changing workforce demographics and technological advancements as areas of critical attention.
Additionally, the HSA provides extensive guidance, advice, and educational resources through platforms like BeSMART.ie, offering specific information on vehicle-related work, working at heights, and other industry-specific guidance to promote workplace safety across sectors.
The statistics, while indicating a decline in fatalities over the years, underscore the pressing need for sustained efforts and collaborative actions to ensure a safer work environment for all in Ireland.
County breakdown of fatalities in Ireland 2023
- Cork: 7 fatalities (16%)
- Dublin: 5 fatalities (12%)
- Kerry: 5 fatalities (12%)
- Wexford: 4 fatalities (9%)
- Carlow: 3 fatalities (7%)
- Galway: 3 fatalities (7%)
- Laois: 2 fatalities (5%)
- Leitrim: 2 fatalities (5%)
- Louth: 2 fatalities (5%)
- Clare: 1 fatality (2%)
- Donegal: 1 fatality (2%)
- Mayo: 1 fatality (2%)
- Meath: 1 fatality (2%)
- Monaghan: 1 fatality (2%)
- Roscommon: 1 fatality (2%)
- Sligo: 1 fatality (2%)
- Tipperary: 1 fatality (2%)
- Westmeath: 1 fatality (2%)
- Wicklow: 1 fatality (2%)
