One work related death recorded in Mayo in 2023

The Health and Safety Authority have revealed that one person lost their life in a work related accident in Mayo during the last year.

Data from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) shows that 43 people lost their lives in work-related incidents in Ireland throughout 2023. The figure reflects a 65 percent increase on the 2022 figure when 26 people lost their lives in work-related incidents.

The HSA recorded that one work-related death took place in Mayo in 2023 which is an increase on 2022 when no deaths were recorded. There were two deaths in Mayo in 2021 and one in 2020. 

The highest number of work related fatalities in 2023 occurred in Co Cork which accounted for seven fatalities, followed by Co Dublin and Co Kerry with five each while Co Galway had the highest number of fatalities in Connacht with three.

Despite the increase in deaths in 2023, the HSA stated that between 2014 and 2023, records show an overall decrease in the rate of fatalities per 100,000 workers in Ireland from the rate of 2.8 in 2014 to 1.6 in 2023.

The HSA statistics for last year indicate a continued high level of fatalities in farming with 16 recorded fatalities which is 37 percent of all deaths and eleven in construction with both sectors accounting for over two thirds of all fatalities in 2023.

Commenting on the data on fatalities in Irish workplaces, Mark Cullen, HSA Assistant Chief Executive, sympathised with the families of loved ones who died in 2023 and said steps must be taken to prevent further deaths.

“Although we welcome the decrease in work-related fatalities rates in the last ten years from the rate of 2.8 in 2014 to 1.6 in 2023, we still see a continued high level of fatalities in certain sectors. Farming, a high-risk sector, continues to account for the highest number of fatalities with over half of victims aged 65 and over. We know many farmers are self-employed and often work alone. Therefore, there is a clear need for them to consider the work they plan on carrying out themselves, and where they may need assistance from qualified and trained workers, ensuring the appropriate risk assessments are completed in advance of the work being carried out and that the appropriate preventative measures are in place to ensure those carrying out the work can do so safely,” he said.

Fatal incidents happened to victims from all age groups, however, the highest number involved people aged 55 and over, with 22 fatalities in 2023 compared to ten in 2022.

Of the 43 fatalities in 2023, the self-employed accounted for 53 percent and Mr Cullen added that self-employed, along with all duty holders and employers, have a responsibility when it comes to health and safety.

“Last year we saw that the self-employed accounted for over half of all reported fatalities. Undertaking risk assessments and making sure the appropriate controls are in place are critically important to ensuring a safe workplace and will undoubtedly protect workers.”

The HSA records also showed incident triggers such as being struck by vehicles/vehicle collisions (13 fatalities) and falls from height (eleven fatalities) continue to be the leading causes of work-related fatalities in Ireland.

“Where there is a known risk, such as working with vehicles and machinery or working at height, duty holders must take preventative actions to ensure they themselves or workers are safe. We are urging the self-employed, employers and duty holders to prioritise health and safety in their workplaces in 2024 to ensure fatalities don’t happen. Every work-related fatality is preventable,” Mr Cullan said.