The lowest number of work-related fatalities ever were recorded last year, according to the Health and Safety Authority’s (HSA) annual report.
A total of 38 deaths were reported in 2021, the lowest recorded figure since the HSA was established in 1989.
The figure represents a 30 per cent decline compared with 2020, when 54 work-related fatalities were recorded.
Farming remains one of the most dangerous sectors in which to work, according to the HSA, though it said a 50 per cent drop in the number of fatalities in the area on the previous year was “encouraging”.
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A total of 7,477 inspections were completed across all sectors by the HSA in 2021, with a further 1,109 investigations completed on foot of incident reports and complaints received.
The report said 1,383 inspections were completed in relation to chemicals and of these 666 were carried out in relation to transporting of dangerous goods by road.
Market surveillance activities resulted in 87 chemical product types being removed from the Irish market and an additional 61 products being removed from sale to the general public due to non-compliances with la — belling and packaging requirements.
Dr Sharon McGuinness, chief executive of the HSA, said the authority was expanding its workforce and reorganising its structure to introduce a new occupational health division.
“This new division will centre its focus on various safety and health concerns in Irish workplace including the impacts of the pandemic in accelerating the move to remote/hybrid working, the continued growth of the ‘gig economy’, the particular needs of vulnerable workers and migrant groups, and the impact of psychosocial issues in the workplace,” she said.
