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There has been a 23% drop in work-related deaths in Ireland in 2018, new figures show.<\/p>\nThere has been a 23% drop in work-related deaths in Ireland in 2018, new figures show.<\/p>\n
The statistics, issued by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), reveal the total number of fatalities is at its lowest level since the formation of the HSA in 1989.<\/p>\n
Figures released by the HSA on Tuesday show that 37 people were killed in work-related accidents in 2018, a decline of 23% on 2017.<\/p>\n
The farming sector, which has consistently been the most dangerous sector in which to work, had 15 work-related deaths last year compared to 25 in 2017, a fall of 40%.<\/p>\n
The second most dangerous sectors in 2018 were construction and transport, which each had five deaths, while fishing and aquaculture saw four workers die at work over the year.<\/p>\n
Dublin was the region with the highest number of work-related deaths, which is most likely attributed to higher population density.<\/p>\n
The fatal accident rate of 1.6 deaths per 100,000 workers is also now at an all-time low.<\/p>\n
Dr Sharon McGuinness, chief executive officer of the HSA, said: \u201cI very much welcome the decline in work-related fatalities in 2018.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe fatality rate of 1.6 deaths per 100,000 workers is particularly significant given it was as high as 6.4 per 100,000 workers in the early 1990s.<\/p>\n
\u201cDue to the efforts of employers, employees and key stakeholders, there has been a huge improvement in health and safety standards since then.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, with 37 people losing their lives in work-related activity in 2018, there is clearly still more to be done.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough farming has also seen a very strong improvement in 2018, 15 fatalities, which represents 41% of total fatalities, is still far too many for a sector that employs just 6% of the workforce.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe next highest sector is construction with five deaths in 2018 (14% of the total) so both sectors will remain a key priority for us in 2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cI urge all stakeholders, particularly those in the farming and construction sectors, to focus their efforts to ensure 2019 sees a continuation of this very positive trend.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe economy is thriving with thousands of new workers joining the workforce each month.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are challenges ahead such as Brexit and also the fact that many employers are facing a skills shortage in certain sectors.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn this context, it is important that worker health and safety stays on the priority list.<\/p>\n
\u201cSafe and healthy employees are the backbone of any successful enterprise\u201d.<\/p>\n
1995 was the worst year on record for fatalities at work, with 79 people losing their lives.<\/p>\n