Workplace Fatalities Surge in Cork as Farming Tops List in 2023
In the past year, Cork experienced a grim distinction as it reported the highest number of workplace fatalities in 2023, surpassing all other counties, according to fresh data released by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). The report paints a stark picture of occupational hazards, revealing that 43 lives were lost in work-related incidents across Ireland.
The HSA’s findings highlight the persistently perilous nature of certain industries, with farming and construction emerging as the most hazardous sectors, collectively responsible for nearly two-thirds of the fatalities in 2023. Shockingly, the agriculture sector alone accounted for 20 deaths, with farming contributing 16 to this grim toll.
The data underscores the prevalent risks associated with specific work activities, revealing that working with vehicles led to 13 fatalities, making it the deadliest work activity. Falling from heights followed closely behind, claiming 11 lives in 2023.
Disturbingly, self-employed individuals bore the brunt of these fatal incidents, comprising 53% of the total fatalities. Additionally, workers aged over 55 faced a heightened risk, with 51% of the deceased falling into this age bracket.
While fatal incidents spanned various age groups, a troubling trend emerged among those aged 55 and over, accounting for 22 fatalities in 2023, doubling the figures from the previous year.
Breaking down the gender distribution, 39 of the 43 fatalities were male, underscoring a notable gender disparity in workplace fatalities.
Geographically, Co Cork recorded the highest number of fatalities in 2023, registering seven tragic incidents. Co Dublin and Co Kerry followed closely behind, each reporting five fatalities.
Despite an overall decrease in the rate of work-related fatalities over the past decade, from 2.8 per 100,000 workers in 2014 to 1.6 in 2023, the HSA’s Chief Executive, Mark Cullen, expressed concerns about persistent dangers in high-risk sectors.
Cullen stated, “Farming, a high-risk sector, continues to account for the highest number of fatalities (37%) with over half of victims aged 65 and over. The self-employed, who make up the majority of these incidents, must prioritize comprehensive risk assessments and implement necessary controls to ensure a safe workplace.”
As the HSA’s 2023 records underscore the significance of self-employed individuals in these tragic incidents, Cullen emphasized, “Undertaking risk assessments and ensuring appropriate controls are in place are critically important to ensuring a safe workplace and will undoubtedly protect workers.”
Source: Original Article by Irish Examiner
