Agriculture fatalities up 87% in 2014

55 people were killed in work related accidents last year - an increase of 17% on 2013.

Figures released by the Health and Safety Authority today show fatalities in the Agriculture sector increased by a massive 87% last year, with 30 people killed compared to 16 in 2013.

It is the fifth year in a row the Agriculture sector recorded the highest number of fatalities.

Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority, Martin O'Halloran, said they're working with farming bodies to help reverse this trend.

"We have seen some progress, but tragically this has not been reflected through the performance," he said.

"we will be working very closely with all of the farming bodes… in 2015 on awareness raising, promotion [and ] providing support to farmers.

"We will also be taking a firmer approach in relation to certain aspects of enforcement."

He also said the HAS expects challenges in any future boost to the construction sector, an area with an historically high level of accidents.