More people died at work in Cork in 2023 than any other county

Farming and construction are still the most dangerous sectors 

Farming remained the most deadly sector with 16 deaths in 2023, followed by construction with 11 deaths. Picture: David Patterson

Forty-three people died in work-related incidents last year, with more people dying at work in Cork than any other county, new data from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) shows.

Farming remained the most deadly sector with 16 deaths in 2023, followed by construction with 11 deaths.

The two sectors combined accounted for almost two thirds of all fatalities in 2023.

Agriculture, forestry, and fishing accounted for 20 fatalities with farming accounting for 16 of these fatalities in 2023.

Working with vehicles remained the most deadly work activity leading to 13 fatalities. Falling from heights was the second most common cause of deaths at work, accounting for 11 fatalities in 2023.

Of the 43 workers who died in 2023, 53% were self-employed and 51% were workers aged over 55.

Fatal incidents happened to people from all age groups, however, the highest number involved people aged 55 and over, with 22 fatalities in 2023 compared to 10 in 2022.

Of the 43 fatalities in 2023, 39 were male and 4 were female.

Co Cork accounted for the highest records of fatalities in 2023 (seven fatalities), followed by Co Dublin (five fatalities) and Co Kerry (five fatalities).

In the last ten years (2014-2023), there has been a drop in the rate of work fatalities in Ireland from a rate of 2.8 per 100,000 workers in 2014 to 1.6 in 2023.

Commenting on the HSA’s data on fatalities in Irish workplaces, its chief executive Mark Cullen said: “As we reflect on the last year and the 43 people who lost their lives in work-related incidents, we first and foremost think of their families and friends who have tragically lost a loved one in 2023.

“Although we welcome the decrease in work-related fatalities rates in the last ten years from the rate of 2.8 in 2014 to 1.6 in 2023, we still see a continued high level of fatalities in certain sectors. 

"Farming, a high-risk sector, continues to account for the highest number of fatalities (37%) with over half of victims aged 65 and over. 

"We know many farmers are self-employed and often work alone. Therefore, there is a clear need for them to consider the work they plan on carrying out themselves, and where they may need assistance from qualified and trained workers, ensuring the appropriate risk assessments are completed in advance of the work being carried out and that the appropriate preventative measures are in place to ensure those carrying out the work can do so safely.” 

With the HSA 2023 records showing a significant percentage of fatalities relating to the self-employed, with this group accounting for 53% (23) of all fatalities in the last year, Mr Cullen added: 

“The self-employed, along with all duty holders and employers, have a responsibility when it comes to health and safety. Last year we saw that the self-employed accounted for over half of all reported fatalities (23). Undertaking risk assessments and making sure the appropriate controls are in place are critically important to ensuring a safe workplace and will undoubtedly protect workers.”