Four work related fatalities in three midlands counties in 2022
THERE were four work related fatalities in the three Midland counties of Offaly, Laois and Westmeath up to the end of 2022.
According to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) there were two fatalities in Offaly, three in Westmeath and one in Laois.
Nationally the HSA report that fatal incidents happened to victims from all age groups, the highest number involved people between 55-64 years. This age group accounted for 10 deaths.
Falling from a height accounted for 9 fatalities and the loss of control of a vehicle or its attachments accounted for 7 deaths and were the leading causes of work-related fatalities in 2022.
Farming saw 12 deaths recorded in 2022 compared to 10 in 2021, with it remaining the sector with the highest number of fatalities
Dublin, Galway and Wexford recorded the highest level of fatalities with three in each county.
No fatalities were recorded in 2022 in counties Carlow, Clare, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Leitrim, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Sligo and Wicklow.
Of the 26 fatalities in 2022, 10 were employees, 13 were self-employed and 3 were non-workers. 25 were Male and 1 was Female.
The transport and storage sector recorded a decline of 83% with one fatality in 2022, compared to six in 2021.
Manufacturing recorded no fatalities in 2022, compared to five in 2021
Commenting on the HSA’s provisional data on fatalities in Irish workplaces Mark Cullen, Interim Chief Executive at the Health and Safety Authority said, ''Christmas this year for the families and friends of all those killed in workplace incidents will have been a difficult one and our thoughts are with them.''
''We see a large number of fatalities relating to working at height and vehicle handling. We also know from the data that the age groups 55 and over represents 69% of all fatalities in 2022, with these age groups representing 19% of employees in Ireland.
As Ireland’s labour force is ageing, we must all look to our work place practices, and ensure that health and safety is being prioritised across all workforce age groups.”
Farming continues to be one of the most dangerous sectors in which to work, and sees an increase with 12 fatalities recorded in 2022 compared to 10 in 2021.
Mark Cullen added, “We are urging employers and their workers to think about the task you’re asking others to carry out, or that you are about to undertake.
Complete a risk assessment and make sure the right precautions are in place and nobody is putting themselves or others in danger. As evident in our records for 2022, if working with heavy machinery or at a height, be particularly vigilant and take the appropriate care”.
In relation to the construction sector which saw a decline in fatalities in 2022, Mr Cullen said, “The construction sector saw a decline of 30% with 7 fatalities in 2022 compared to ten in 2021. We welcome this lower number, but are all too aware of this industry being one of the most dangerous. We would ask that smaller sites and contractors in particular continue to ensure that their own and their workers’ safety is a priority every day.”