SIPTU Calls for Safe Pass System for Farms Following Work-Related Death Statistics
There are growing calls for the introduction of a safe pass system for farms after the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) published its latest statistics on work-related fatalities.
In 2024, there were 33 work-related deaths, a decrease from 43 in 2023. While the total was higher than the 28 recorded in 2022, the HSA noted that the fatality rate per 100,000 workers has reached a historic low. Over the past decade, the rate fell from 2.7 in 2015 to 1.2 in 2024, the lowest since the HSA's establishment in 1989.
Sectoral Breakdown
- Construction: Fatalities dropped by 50%, from ten deaths in 2023 to five in 2024.
- Agriculture: Deaths decreased by 40%, from 20 in 2023 to 12 last year.
Key Findings
- Demographics: Of the 33 fatalities, 18 involved self-employed individuals. Those aged 55 and over accounted for two-thirds of deaths.
- Gender: 30 of the fatalities were male, with three being female.
- Causes: The leading causes included vehicle-related incidents, accidents involving heavy or falling objects, and falls from a height.
- Regional Data: Cork, Dublin, and Offaly each reported three fatalities, the highest of any counties.
The decline in fatalities highlights ongoing safety improvements, but the statistics underscore the need for enhanced measures, particularly in the agriculture sector, to ensure safer working environments.