18% Increase in Workplace Fatalities During 2019

Wexford had the highest number of fatalities in the workplace last year with 7 deaths during the year.

Overall, 46 people died in workplace accidents in Ireland in 2019 – an 18% rise from the previous year when 39 people died.  Of this 46, 44 were male and two were female.

Construction deaths more than doubled, rising from 5 to 12, with falls from heights being the leading cause.  Fatalities were more common in smaller construction companies with fewer than 10 employees.  940 non-fatal incidents and dangerous occurrences were also reported to the HSA from the construction sector in 2019.

Agriculture remains the most dangerous sector in which to work with 18 deaths, up from 15 in 2018.

This increase is alarming and we urge business owners to have comprehensive risk assessments carried out and to foster a culture of health and safety in the workplace.

Source: Provisional statistics from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).