Men, over 55s and farmers were the most likely to die in workplace accidents last year, study finds
The data, which was compiled by the Health and Safety Authority and published on Wednesday, reveals there were 33 work-related fatalities in total in 2024
Men, people older than 55 and farmers were the most likely to die in workplace accidents last year, a study has found.
The data, which was compiled by the Health and Safety Authority and published on Wednesday, reveals there were 33 work-related fatalities in total in 2024. Out of the total number of deaths last year, 30 were male and three were female.
Researchers revealed 12 of the victims were farmers, five worked in construction, another five were mechanics and four were in the water supply and sewage industry.
The remaining victims came from various sectors including transportation and storage, accommodation and food service activities, and mining and quarrying. All the victims bar two were Irish. The majority of victims were 55 or older. Two deaths were also recorded in the 0-17 age category.
The most common way to die was because of a vehicle collision - this accounted for 10 of the deaths. A further six died after being struck by a heavy or falling object. The study also shows that five of the victims fell from a height while another five were crushed or trapped.
Three died after animal attacks, which includes two who were killed after being set upon by bulls. Some other ways people died included being overcome by fumes or being electrocuted.
The counties with the highest number of fatalities last year were Cork, Dublin, and Offaly - each of which recorded three deaths. Carlow, Cavan, Donegal, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, and Louth all had two. Kerry, Longford, Mayo, Meath, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford had one. Kildare, Laois, Leitrim, Monaghan, and Westmeath had none.
Chief Executive of the HSA Conor O’Brien said: “The reality is that behind these figures are people who have died, leaving behind heartbroken families, friends and communities. I offer my sincere condolences to all of those who have lost a loved one in a work-related incident last year and I urge employers to start planning now for 2025.
“Review your work practices, make risk assessment a core part of how you do business, and pay particular attention to high-risk activity including working at height, vehicle handling, and working with machinery.”
Mark Cullen, Assistant Chief Executive and Chief Inspector with the HSA, commented: “We know from the data that those aged 55 and over represent two-thirds of 2024 fatalities. As Ireland’s labour force is ageing, employers must pay particular attention to work activity involving older workers and ensure that the risk to their health and safety is proactively managed.”
Mr. Cullen added: “We are urging employers and their workers to consider carefully the task you’re asking others to carry out or that you are about to undertake. Complete a risk assessment and make sure the right precautions are in place, and nobody is putting themselves or others in danger.”
The HSA said the number of fatalities in 2024 is down 23 per cent compared with figures from 2023. The fatality rate per 100,000 workers has fallen from 2.7 to 1.2 in the ten-year period from 2015 to 2024 - which is the lowest rate since the HSA formed in 1989.
The HSA said the construction industry saw a 50 per cent decline in deaths from 10 in 2023 to five in 2024. The agriculture sector saw a decline from 20 fatalities in 2023 to 12 last year, which represents a decline of 40 per cent.
Mr. O’Brien stressed that while the trend is positive - all work-related deaths were “preventable”.
He said: “It is positive to see such a decline in the overall fatality figures for 2024, in particular the significant reduction in the high-risk agriculture and construction sectors. However, every work-related death is preventable. Vigilance and advance planning around health and safety at work is crucial to lowering the number of deaths further.”
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