In the ten year period between 2007 and 2016, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) reported that 520 people were killed in work-related accidents and many thousands more were severely injured in Ireland.
Figures released by the HSA show a 21% reduction in workplace fatal accidents across all sectors in 2016. The number of reported fatalities in Ireland dropped from 56 in 2015 to 45 in 2016.
Despite an overall drop of over 20% in workplace fatalities, the number of farming workplace deaths remained high. The number of farming related deaths increased in 2016, with 21 reported deaths compared to 18 in 2015.
Reported fatalities within the construction sector were down to nine in 2016 from 11 in 2015.
Fishing-related deaths fell from five in 2015 to three in 2016.
The transportation and storage sector had one fatality in 2016 compared to the four reported cases in 2015.
Accidents involving vehicles accounted for nearly half of all fatalities in 2016.
Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland, HSA Chief Executive Martin O'Halloran expressed his concern regarding the increase in farming fatalities, particularly the 12 related tractor and machinery deaths. O'Halloran stated that as machinery is getting bigger, the HSA is urging farmers to plan and carry out quick safety checks and to recognise that there needs to be segregation between where machines are used and where people are working. O'Halloran went on to say that it is "fundamental" that farmers plan their day and spend time thinking about hazards, risks and controls. The HSA Cheif Executive believes that taking time to assess the job will help to reduce the number of farming fatalities.
Speaking at the Workers' Memorial Day Ireland, O'Halloran reiterated the importance of a renewed commitment to safety and wellbeing within the workplace, stating "everyone is entitled to a safe working environment and to return home unharmed each day."
Editor's note
Wondering why we're covering Republic of Ireland legislation? Watch this space...
