Just one work-related death in Clare last year, new data confirms

New data from the Health and Safety Authority shows there was just one work-related fatality in Clare during 2023. 

However, the HSA statistics for last year indicate a continued high level of fatalities in farming (16 fatalities) and construction (11 fatalities) with both sectors accounting for over two thirds of all fatalities in 2023 nationally.

The work-related fatalities in these sectors relate to high-risk work including working with vehicles and falls from height.

Of the 43 fatalities across Ireland in 2023, 39 were male and 4 were female. County Cork had the highest number of work-related fatalities in 2023 (7) followed by County Dublin (5) and County Kerry (5 fatalities).

Commenting following the release of the date, Mark Cullen, assistant chief executive of the HSA said: “As we reflect on the last year and the 43 people who lost their lives in work-related incidents, we first and foremost think of their families and friends who have tragically lost a loved one in 2023. 

“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 (37%) with over half of victims aged 65 and over."

Decrease in Clare road deaths for 2023 confirmed

Road deaths in Clare found to have decreased for 2023

Mr Cullen is making a special appeal to those working in the agriculture sector.

"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.”

The HSA data for 2023 shows a significant percentage of fatalities relating to self-employed individuals, with this group accounting for 53% (23) of all fatalities in the last year.

“The 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 (23). 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," said Mark Cullen.

The HSA data also showed incident triggers such as being struck by vehicles/vehicle collisions (13 fatalities) and falls from height (11 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," said Mr Cullen.

Conor O’Brien, chief executive of the HSA, added: "We are committed to collaboration, consultation and communication with all stakeholders, across all industries and will continue to work with partners in high priority sectors such as agriculture and construction. The Authority is looking ahead to the future as we take account of changing work, workers and workplaces in Ireland. We have and will continue to develop supports and resources to address the evolving nature of the work environment including impacts related to psychosocial hazards, digitalisation, sustainability, and changing workforce demographics.”

There were no work-related deaths in Clare in 2022 while one person died during 2021.