Work-related fatalities reached record low in 2024

Ireland recorded its lowest ever rate of work-related fatalities in 2024 according to provisional data published by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) earlier this week.

The fatality rate per 100,000 workers has fallen from 2.7 to 1.2 in the ten-year period from 2015 to 2024, marking the fewest work-related deaths since the establishment of the Authority in 1989.

A total of 33 people lost their lives in work-related incidents in 2024, a reduction of almost a quarter on 2023 fatalities.

The construction sector, in particular, saw a significant decline from 10 fatalities in 2023 to 5 in 2024, a decline of 50%, while the agriculture sector saw a decline from 20 fatalities in 2023 to 12 last year, a decline of 40%.

Commenting on the significant reduction on fatalities in Irish workplaces, Conor O’Brien, Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority, 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”.

Key 2024 Statistics

In the last ten years (2015-2024), the rate of fatalities per 100,000 workers decreased from 2.7 in 2015 to 1.2 in 2024.

Two thirds of all fatalities (22) occurred to those aged 55 and over.

Of the 33 fatalities in 2024, the self-employed accounted for 18 (55%).

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

The construction sector saw a significant decline from 10 fatalities in 2023 to 5 in 2024, a decline of 50%.

Vehicle related incidents (10 fatalities), incidents involving heavy/falling objects (6 fatalities) and falling from height (5 fatalities) were the leading causes of work-related fatalities in 2024 accounting for 64% of all fatalities.

Of the 33 fatalities in 2024, 30 were male and 3 were female.

Cork, Dublin and Offaly accounted for the highest records of fatalities in 2024, with 3 fatalities occurring in each county.

Commenting on the 2024 statistics, Mr. O’Brien said: “The reality is that behind these figures are people who have died, leaving behind heartbroken families, friends and communities. 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.”