Female injuries in workplace rise by 50%

The number of women injured in the workplace has risen by 50% since 1998 despite a continual decline in the number of workplace injuries.

This sharp rise is attributed to both the significant increase in women in the workforce and a likely increase in women working in riskier industries.

The findings in the Annual Report of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) states that the rate of occupational injury in Irish workplaces has decreased by 14% since 1998.

Almost a third of injuries are incurred handling, lifting and carrying while slips, trips, and falls cause almost a fifth.

Falling objects or hand tools cause over one 10th of injuries.

Minister for Labour Affairs, Frank Fahey welcomed the findings in the HSA report.

"These figures illustrate the increased effectiveness of the HSA in raising awareness of hazards in the workplace and encouraging a safety culture," Fahey said.

In 2002, 91 cases were completed in the District and Circuit Criminal Courts. Of the 73 successful cases (86%), €137,149 was imposed in fines.

Almost half of these successful cases involved construction or civil engineering related activities.