Big increase in fatal accidents at work in 2005

Some 70 people died in work-related accidents in 2005, 21 more than the previous year, according to figures released by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

The deaths were largely in construction and farming, with 23 people dying in the former and 17 in the latter.

Of the 17 deaths in agriculture, up by four on 2004, seven involved people over 65 years. There were two child fatalities.

Other sectors reporting fatalities in 2005 included manufacturing (seven); wholesale, retail and repair (seven); mining and quarrying (six); transport, storage and communication (four); fishing (two); public administration and defence (two); real estate, renting and business (one); and community, social and personal services (one).

Cork had the highest number of fatalities with nine, followed by Dublin with eight, Donegal with six and Tipperary, Kildare and Wexford with five each.

The most common cause of the fatal accidents was "fall, collapse or breakage of material", accounting for 16 fatalities, followed by "falls from height" and "loss of control of other transport or handling equipment", responsible for nine deaths each.

Five fatalities were animal-related.

The most common causes of non-fatal accidents in the workplace in 2005 were handling, lifting and carrying, followed by slips, trips and falls.

Tom Beegan, CEO of the HSA, said the figures were further proof of the need for the development of a national culture of workplace health and safety.

He said targeted interventions by the authority were needed in sectors with the greatest level of fatalities such as construction and farming, as well as those parts of the country where fatalities were high.

"2005 was marked by the introduction of the new Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act. Both employers and employees have significant responsibilities under the Act, and we can reduce the numbers of fatalities and serious accidents by making workplace safety a priority in 2006."