Workplace deaths increase by third

Workplace deaths increased last year by one-third despite new statistics showing a sharp fall in agriculture-related fatalities…

Workplace deaths increased last year by one-third despite new statistics showing a sharp fall in agriculture-related fatalities of almost 40 per cent on 2006.

Figures released today by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) reveal that 67 people died in work-related incidents in 2007 compared with 50 people in 2006.

There were specific increases in fatalities in the construction and fishing sectors with major causes including falls, collapses, breakage of material, loss of control of transport or handling equipment and drowning.

Construction industry deaths rose by six from 12 people in 2006 to 18 deaths last year, while ten more people died within the fishing industry last year than in 2006, with 12 deaths recorded for 2007 as compared with just two people the year before.

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While the sharp reduction in agriculture fatalities is most welcome, we are seriously concerned at the increase in other sectors, particularly construction and fishing
Martin O'Halloran, HSA

Fatalities within the agriculture sector decreased from 18 to 11 deaths in 2007, representing a drop of just under 40 per cent since 2006.

The Farm Safety Code of Practice, published by the Health and Safety Authority in late 2006 has been praised for its help in reducing agriculture-related deaths through education and awareness-raising.

Martin O'Halloran, chief executive of the HSA said: " The Farm Safety Code of Practicealong with the associated awareness campaigns and training programmes are having the desired impact.

But Mr Halloran warned: "We are seriously concerned at the increase in other sectors, particularly construction and fishing.

"The authority will continue to focus its resources in these and other high-risk sectors and they will feature prominently in our activities for 2008 and beyond," he added.

Minister for Labour Affairs, Billy Kelleher said the HSA had an important remit to create a national culture of excellence in workplace safety, health and welfare.

"Developing this culture brings. . . less grief and suffering. It also promotes greater vigilance and the use of safe systems of work and can result in the need for less heavy enforcement," he said.