County Wexford has had some of the highest amount of work fatalities in 2021 in Ireland.
It ranks alongside Dublin and Cork as having the highest amount of deaths in the workplace, according to statistics published this morning by the Health and Safety Authority.
There were also sadly one death in the workplace in both Carlow and Tipperary this year.
However, neither Waterford nor Kilkenny saw any deaths in the workplace across the year, with work-related fatalities declining by 30% from last year to 38, the lowest figure recorded since the Authority was established in 1989.
The farming sector saw deaths decline by over 50%, however it still remains one of the most dangerous sectors in which to work, alongside construction which saw a decline of 38% to 10.
Commenting on the downward trend, Mark Cullen, Chief Inspector with the Health and Safety Authority said, “It is positive to see such a substantial decline in work-related fatalities in 2021. However, our view is that every work-related death is preventable. Christmas this year for the families and friends of these 38* individuals will have been a difficult one and our thoughts are with them.
Particularly difficult are the two 16-year-olds who lost their life in the workplace this year, with four others aged between 18 and 24 also killed in the workplace in 2021.
“Farming continues to be one of the most dangerous sectors in which to work, but a 50% decline on the 2020 level of fatalities is encouraging and a sign that the safety message is getting through. Our work in the farming sector will continue and I would urge all farmers not to become complacent and let’s make sure that this time next year we’re discussing even fewer lives lost”.
The most common incidents were the loss of control of a vehicle or its attachments, with 12 people being killed in such incidents at work, while 10 passed away falling from a height. Between them, it accounted for 58% of all fatalities.
"Losing control of a workplace vehicle, whether that’s a tractor, excavator or other machines, and falling from a height, are the key triggers" said Cullen. "If employers focus on these two key areas many lives will be saved in 2022.”
He added, “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”.
