Down South - Workplace Deaths Increase by 15% During 2011

A total of 55 workplace deaths were reported to the Health and Safety Authority during 2011 according to figures released on 4th January 2012. This represents a 15% increase on the 48 workplace deaths reported in 2010.

During 2011 there were 22 killed while working in Agriculture compared to 25 in 2010. There were 8 fatalities in the Transport and Storage sector, an increase from 3 in 2010. In the Construction sector there were 6 deaths, the same number reported in 2010.

Speaking about workplace deaths in 2011, Martin O’Halloran, CEO of the Health and Safety Authority said,

“This is the second year in a row that the total number of workplace fatalities has increased. The fact is that behind these statistics there are human tragedies, lives lost and families ruined. Everyone has the right to go to work without danger to their safety or health.”

Over the last number of years the high fatality rate in Agriculture has resulted in the Authority increasing inspections and awareness raising activities in that sector.  A new awareness raising campaign aimed at encouraging farmers to stop taking risks has just been launched.  Featuring a real farmer who suffered an arm amputation, the campaign is a hard hitting one and highlights the importance of not taking risks.

According to Martin O’Halloran, during 2012 the Authority will introduce further initiatives, awareness raising campaigns and focused inspections with the aim of achieving a sustained reduction in workplace accidents and deaths. 

There will also be a continuation of the Authority’s efforts to help small businesses implement workplace safety and health measures in a cost effective way.  “Last year the Authority launched the Taking Care of Business programme, which is aimed at the estimated 655,000 people involved in small businesses.  Initiatives such as this are designed to build a strong culture of workplace health and safety in all workplaces.”

© 2011 Health & Safety Authority