TWO people died in workplace fatalities in Donegal last year, according to provisional data published by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) published yesterday.
The country recorded its lowest ever rate of work-related fatalities in 2024, as data shows 33 people lost their lives in work-related incidents in 2024 – a reduction of almost a quarter on 2023 fatalities.
The construction sector, in particular, saw a significant decline from 10 fatalities in 2023 to five in 2024, a decline of 50 per cent, while the agriculture sector saw a decline from 20 fatalities in 2023 to 12 last year, a drop of 40 per cent.
Key 2024 statistics reveal two thirds of all fatalities (22) occurred to those aged 55 and over. Of the 33 fatalities in 2024, the self-employed accounted for 18 (55 per cent). Agriculture, forestry and fishing accounted for 12 fatalities, all of which were farming incidents representing over a third of all fatalities from a sector employing just four per cent of the workforce.
The construction sector saw a significant decline from 10 fatalities in 2023 to 5 in 2024, a decline of 50 per cent. Vehicle related incidents (10 fatalities), incidents involving heavy/falling objects (six fatalities) and falling from height (five fatalities) were the leading causes of work-related fatalities in 2024 accounting for 64 per cent of all fatalities.
Of the 33 fatalities in 2024, 30 were male and three were female.
Cork, Dublin and Offaly accounted for the highest records of fatalities in 2024, with three fatalities occurring in each county.
Conor O’Brien, Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority, said while the decrease in workplace fatalities was “positive”, he stressed that every work-related death is preventable.
“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.”
Mark Cullen, Assistant Chief Executive and Chief Inspector with the HSA, called on employers and employees to exercise vigilance at all times.
“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.”
In 2024 the HSA marked 35 years since it was established and published its Strategy Statement 2025-2027 with a view to addressing significant change in the workplace and broader society.
Mr O’Brien said many workplaces are being transformed by technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics and machine learning, boosting opportunities and challenges for safe and healthy working.
“Our new strategy has been designed to address these developments, and support workers and employers in fostering safe, compliant and productive work environments”.
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