Workplace deaths rose 13% last year, says HSA

Figures released in the Annual Review of Workplace Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities 2019–2020 showed that despite many workplaces being closed due to COVID, 53 people died in work-related incidents. This is a 13% year on year increase and the highest rate of fatality since 2015 when 56 people lost their lives.

The stats:

• 18 of those who lost their lives were working in agriculture, forestry and fishing,
• 7 of those who lost their lives were working in construction,
• 2 of those who lost their lives were working in wholesale and retail trade
• 1 person of those who lost their life was working in in accommodation and food service.
• More than half of those who lost their lives were self-employed
• 12 of those who lost their lives were employees
• 13 of those who lost their lives were non-workers
• 18, of the deaths involved people over the age of 65
• 11 of the deaths involved people aged between 45 and 54 years
• 5 of the deaths involved people were aged under 18 years,

There were 7,417 non-fatal incidents reported to the HSA over the 12 month period. This 21% decrease is thought to be contributed to the impact of the Covid-19 public health measures. All economic sectors except agriculture, forestry and fishing saw reductions.

Read the full Document here: HSA’s Annual Review of Workplace Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities for 2020.

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