Workplace deaths increased by 25% last year

A TOTAL of 73 people were killed in work-related accidents in 2005 — an increase of 25% on the previous year and the highest level of fatalities in over a decade.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has expressed concern at the reversal of an overall downward trend in the number of workplace deaths since 1995 when 77 lives were lost in work-related accidents.

The HSA — which published its annual report yesterday — said it was worried about the high rate of fatal accidents in the construction and agricultural sectors, particularly among elderly farmers.