What's Happening?
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) of Ireland reported a 60% increase in workplace fatalities in 2025, with the total rising from 36 in 2024 to 58. The agricultural sector was the most affected, accounting
for 40% of the deaths despite employing only 4% of the workforce. The report highlighted that many fatalities involved older workers, with nearly a third of those who died being over 65. The HSA expressed concern over the increase, noting that the fatalities in agriculture were largely due to the aging workforce and the prevalence of working alone. The report also noted increases in fatalities in the construction and manufacturing sectors.
Why It's Important?
The rise in workplace fatalities, particularly in agriculture, highlights significant safety challenges in the sector. The aging workforce and the nature of farm work, which often involves working alone, contribute to the high fatality rate. This situation underscores the need for enhanced safety measures and awareness campaigns to protect workers. The increase in fatalities across various sectors also suggests a potential reversal of the progress made in reducing workplace deaths in recent years. The findings may prompt calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and more comprehensive safety training for workers.
What's Next?
The HSA plans to implement a comprehensive program of risk-based, evidence-led workplace health and safety inspections across all sectors. This initiative aims to target sectors with the highest health and safety risks through enforcement, compliance, and awareness-raising interventions. The focus will be on reducing fatalities by addressing common hazards such as falls from heights and accidents involving heavy machinery. The HSA's efforts will likely involve collaboration with industry stakeholders to improve safety standards and reduce the risk of workplace fatalities.
