Work-related deaths fall to 30-year low

The number of work-related fatalities fell to a historic low in 2021, a year that saw a significant decline in economic activity due to Covid-19.

Annual statistics from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), which is responsible for investigating workplace deaths, said 38 people died in such settings during the year compared with 54 in 2020 – a 30 per cent drop.

The number represented the lowest figure recorded since the HSA was established more than 30 years ago.

Mark Cullen, chief inspector with the HSA, that while the reduction was “positive to see”, it ought to be pointed out that “every work-related death is preventable”.

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He said: “Farming continues to be one of the most dangerous sectors in which to work, but a 50 per cent decline on the 2020 level of fatalities is encouraging and a sign that the safety message is getting through.”

The construction sector saw a 38 per cent decline in work-related deaths, with 10 workers dying in 2021 following a spike in fatalities in 2020.

The most common causes of death in workplace settings were the loss of control of a vehicle or its attachments (12) and falling from a height (10), which between them accounted for more than half of all deaths (58 per cent).

“Losing control of a workplace vehicle, whether that’s a tractor, excavator or other machine, and falling from a height, are the key triggers,” said Mr Cullen. “If employers focus on these two key areas, many lives will be saved in 2022.

“Think about the task you’re about to undertake or asking others to carry out, step back for a minute, plan the work, make sure the right precautions are in place and nobody is putting themselves or others in danger.

“If working with heavy machinery or at a height, extra vigilance is needed. Don’t assume the unthinkable will never happen.”

While the farming and construction sectors saw significant declines in fatalities, some sectors experienced an increase.

The transportation and storage sector recorded an increase from two deaths in 2020 to six in 2021, while the forestry and logging sector saw two deaths following none in the previous year.