WORK-related fatalities across Ireland have hit a historic low in 2024, despite two workplace deaths in Limerick throughout last year.
New figures from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) have shown that Ireland recorded its lowest ever number of work-related fatalities in 2024, with the fatality rate falling from 2.7 per 100,000 workers in 2023 to 1.2.
There were 33 work-related fatalities in Ireland in 2024, including two in Limerick.
Last January, 64-year-old Tom Childs from Galbally became the first person do die in a workplace accident in 2024 when he tragically lost his life in an accident involving a tractor on his farm.
The figures for 2024, the HSA reporter, were down a quarter on the figures for the previous year, which saw 43 people lose their lives in work-related incidents across 2023.
The new HSA figures show that the construction sector had the biggest decline in work-related fatalities last year, going from 10 fatalities in 2023 to five in 2024.
The agriculture sector saw a 40 per cent decline in fatalities last year, down from 20 in 2023 to 12 last year.
Conor O’Brien, Health and Safety Authority chief executive, said that “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.”
Two thirds of all work-related fatalities last year (22) involved people aged 55 or over. Of the total figure, 30 who lost their lives while at work were men, with women accounting for three work-related fatalities.
Mr O’Brien added that “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, HSA assistant chief executive and chief inspector, added that “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.”
