Three workplace fatalities in Cork last year

There were three workplace-related fatalities in Cork last year, one of the highest records of fatalities in Ireland, but still a considerable decrease from seven fatalities in the county in 2023.

Cork, Dublin and Offaly each had three fatalities, with other counties reporting two, one or none for a total of 33 in 2024.

The total figure marks Ireland’s lowest ever rate of work-related fatalities in 2024 according to provisional data published today by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), and a reduction of almost a quarter on 2023 fatalities.

Nationally, 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.

The construction sector, in particular, saw a significant decline from ten fatalities in 2023 to five in 2024, while the agriculture sector saw a decline from 20 fatalities in 2023 to 12 last year.

The 2024 fatalities were largely men, with 30 men compared to three women losing their lives.

Commenting on the significant reduction on fatalities in Irish workplaces, Conor O’Brien, chief executive of the HSA, 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.

“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.” 

Mark Cullen, assistant chief executive and chief inspector with the HSA, commented: “We know from the data that those aged 55 and over represent two-thirds of 2024 fatalities.

“As Ireland’s labour force is ageing, employers must pay particular attention to work activity involving older workers and ensure that the risk to their health and safety is proactively managed.

“We are urging employers and their workers to consider carefully the task you’re asking others to carry out or that you are about to undertake.

“Complete a risk assessment and make sure the right precautions are in place, and nobody is putting themselves or others in danger”.