Provisional data from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) shows that 26 people lost their lives in work-related incidents in 2022 compared to 38 in 2021, representing the lowest figure recorded since the Authority was established over thirty years ago.

According to HSA data:

•    The highest number of fatal incidents involved people between 55-64 years with 10 fatalities.

•    The age groups 55-64 and 65 years and over represents 69% of all fatalities in 2022, with these age groups representing 19% of employees.

•    Falling from height (9 fatalities) and loss of control of a vehicle or its attachments (7 fatalities) were the leading causes of work-related fatalities.  

In Association with

•    Of the 26 fatalities, 10 were employees, 13 were self-employed and three were non-workers. 25 were male and one was female.

•    The transport and storage sector had one fatality in 2022 compared with six in 2021.

•    Manufacturing recorded no fatalities in 2022 compared with five in 2021.

Mark Cullen, HSA interim chief executive, commented: “It is positive to see such a substantial decline in work-related fatalities in 2022. However, our view is that every work-related death is preventable and vigilance around health and safety in Irish workplaces is still imperative.

“We see a large number of fatalities relating to working at height and vehicle handling. As Ireland’s labour force is aging, we must all look to our workplace practices, and ensure that health and safety is being prioritised across all workforce age groups.”

Farming continues to be one of the most dangerous sectors in which to work, with 12 fatalities recorded in 2022, up from 10 in 2021.

“We are urging employers and their workers to think about the task you’re asking others to carry out, or that you are about to undertake,” Cullen added. “If working with heavy machinery or at a height, be particularly vigilant and take the appropriate care.”

The construction sector had seven fatalities in 2022, down from ten in 2021.

Cullen said HSA offers guidance and supports available across industry sectors and the BeSMART.ie tool is freely available to employers and employees.