Workplace fatalities up in 2010

The number of work-related deaths recorded last year increased with the agriculture sector again accounting for the majority of fatalities.

According to the Health and Safety Authority's annual report for 2010, there were 48 workplace fatalities recorded compared to a record low of 43 in 2009.

Of the 48 fatalities, six involved non-workers and 22 Of the 42 worker fatalities. A further 22 deaths involved self-employed people.

As many as 60 per cent of all fatal incidents recorded last year occurred in the farming, forestry and fishing sector, which collectively accounted for 29 deaths.

There were six fatalities in the construction sector, the lowest number recorded in the sector since the authority records began in 1989.

Falls from height were the most common cause of workplace deaths in 2010, the majority of which occurred in farming and construction where roof repair and maintenance was taking place.

Manual handling related injuries continue to account for approximately one third of non-fatal injuries reported with slips, trips and falls being the next most common.

Munster registered the highest number of workplace fatalities in 2010 with 18 fatalities in total, seven of which occurred in Cork.

During 2010, there were 27 prosecutions for health and safety breaches with penalties including two suspended sentences and €571,900 in fines imposed.

Overall, the authority carried out 16,714 inspections last year. Nine per cent of these resulted in enforcement action.