Health & Safety Authority issues almost €1m in fines for breaches

More than 1,000 investigations were completed by the Health and Safety Authority last year on foot of accidents and complaints, including in agriculture and construction. File Picture

More than two-thirds of the inspections and investigations carried out by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) last year ended in some form of enforcement, while the watchdog also launched 21 prosecutions and handed down almost €1m in fines.

The HSA 2019 annual report, to be published later this week, shows 9,270 inspections were completed last year, with 68% leading to some type of enforcement measure, with 992 improvement or contravention notices issued as well as payment in lieu and prohibition notices.