Ireland records lowest ever rate of workplace-related deaths in 2024

Conor O’Brien, CEO of the Health and Safety Authority, said: 'Vigilance and advance planning around health and safety at work is crucial to lowering the number of deaths further.'

Ireland has recorded its lowest ever rate of workplace-related fatalities in 2024, according to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

A total of 33 people lost their lives in workplace-related incidents across the country in 2024, down 23% on 2023’s figures. 

The fatality rate per 100,000 workers has fallen from 2.7 to 1.2 in the 10-year period from 2015 to 2024. This marks the fewest work-related deaths since the authority was set up in 1989.

The construction sector, in particular, saw a significant decline from 10 deaths in 2023 to five in 2024, while the agriculture sector also saw a fall from 20 deaths in 2023 to 12 last year, a decline of 40%.

Commenting on the latest findings, HSA chief executive Conor O’Brien said: “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 (22) of all fatalities occurred to those aged 55 and over, and of the 33 deaths in 2024, the self-employed accounted for 18.

Agriculture, forestry and fishing accounted for 12 fatalities, all of which were farming incidents. This represents over a third of all fatalities from a sector employing just 4% of the workforce.

Ten people died in vehicle-related incidents, six died in incidents involving heavy or falling objects, and five died after falling from height. These were the leading causes of work-related deaths in 2024, accounting for 64% of all fatalities.

Of the 33 fatalities in 2024, 30 were men and three were female. Meanwhile counties Cork, Dublin and Offaly accounted for the highest records of fatalities in 2024, with three deaths occurring in each county.

“The reality is that behind these figures are people who have died, leaving behind heartbroken families, friends and communities," Mr O'Brien said. “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.

“Review your work practices, make risk assessment a core part of how you do business, and pay particular attention to high-risk activity including working at height, vehicle handling and working with machinery.”