Work-related fatalities rose by 300 percent in Mayo during 2025

MAYO recorded a 300 percent increase in the number of work related deaths in Ireland in 2025 with annual figures showing that four people died in workplace incidents.

Data released by the Health and Safety Authority show that 58 work-related fatalities were recorded in Ireland in 2025, which represents a 61 percent increase on the 36 who died in 2024.

Mayo recorded one of the highest rates of work related fatalities in Ireland during 2025 with four people losing their lives compared to one recorded death in 2024 and 2023. There were no deaths recorded in 2022; two in 2021 and one in 2020.

Only Dublin, Cork and Donegal recorded a higher rate of work-related deaths than Mayo in 2025 with six deaths recorded in each of the counties. The HSA recorded three deaths in Galway, two in Leitrim and one each in Roscommon and Sligo.

The 2025 national report by the HSA shows that the agriculture sector, with 23 deaths, continues to account for the highest number of fatalities representing 40 percent of all work-related fatalities last year from a sector employing approximately 4 percent of the workforce.

The construction sector recorded ten fatalities compared to five in 2024, while five fatalities were recorded in the manufacturing sector, compared to none last year.

READ: Met Éireann issues weather warning to counties including Mayo

Commenting on the figures, Mark Cullen, Chief Executive Officer of the Health and Safety Authority, said the increase in work-related fatalities in 2025 is deeply concerning.

“Every death is a tragedy, and each one represents a life lost and a family devastated. We recorded our lowest ever fatality rate in 2024 and, while annual figures can fluctuate, this sharp rise serves as a stark reminder that employers and workers alike must stay vigilant and avoid complacency when it comes to workplace safety.

“The fact that so many fatalities continue to involve machinery or vehicles, and falls from height, shows that well-known incident triggers are not being adequately controlled. These are hazards that can be managed through proper risk assessment, forward planning and ensuring that all employees are fully aware of the need to prioritise safe working behaviour,” he said.

Of the 58 fatalities, 19 were aged 65 or over and Mr Cullen said this trend is particularly concerning in the context of an aging national demographic and the fact that people are working beyond the traditional retirement age.

“As we get older, we can become less mobile and more prone to serious injury. There’s also the reality that older workers may continue poor habits they formed at a younger age when they were able to recover from a fall or being struck by a machine. Older workers must realise that they are not invincible, safety should always be their priority. No job is important enough to put your life at risk.”

Self-employed workers continue to face significant risks at work. In 2025, self-employed people accounted for 23 of the 58 work-related fatalities and the HSA stated that the 'disproportionate figure' underlines the dangers of working without the support structures typically found in larger organisations.

Mr Cullen added that many self-employed workers operate alone, increasing the danger when incidents occur, as there may be no one present to help or raise the alarm.

“Working safely is entirely possible even if you are self-employed or working alone. When you work alone, particularly in high-risk sectors such as agriculture and construction, you must be even more vigilant in planning your work and ensuring help is available when you need it or if something goes wrong,” he said.