Michael McHale , 2026-01-05 12:24:00
Agriculture was the most dangerous sector, while four-in-ten fatalities related to self-employed people
There was a 61 per cent increase in work-related fatalities in Ireland last year, new figures reveal.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) said that that 58 people died in work-related incidents in Ireland during 2025, up from 36 deaths recorded the previous year.
Agriculture was the most dangerous sector, with 23 deaths recorded last year. Despite the industry employing just four per cent of the country’s workforce, it accounted for 40 per cent of all fatalities seen in the workplace in 2025.
The construction sector recorded 10 fatalities compared to five in 2024. A further five fatalities were recorded in the manufacturing sector in 2025.
“The increase in work-related fatalities in 2025 is deeply concerning,” said HSA CEO Mark Cullen. “Every death is a tragedy, and each one represents a life lost and a family devastated.
“We recorded our lowest ever fatality rate in 2024 and, while annual figures can fluctuate, this sharp rise serves as a stark reminder that employers and workers alike must stay vigilant and avoid complacency when it comes to workplace safety.”
The work-related fatality rate per 100,000 workers increased from 1.3 in 2024 to 2.1 in 2025, although the long-term trend remains downward
The leading causes of fatalities were being hit or crushed by falling objects, incidents with machinery or vehicles, and falling from a height.
“The fact that so many fatalities continue to involve machinery or vehicles, and falls from height, shows that well-known incident triggers are not being adequately controlled,” Mr Cullen added.
“These are hazards that can be managed through proper risk assessment, forward planning and ensuring that all employees are fully aware of the need to prioritise safe working behaviour.”
Of the 58 fatalities, 19 (33 per cent) were aged 65 or over. The HSA stressed that this trend is particularly concerning in the context of an aging national demographic and the fact that people are working beyond the traditional retirement age.
“As we get older, we can become less mobile and more prone to serious injury,” Mr Cullen said.
“There’s also the reality that older workers may continue poor habits they formed at a younger age when they were able to recover from a fall or being struck by a machine. Older workers must realise that they are not invincible, safety should always be their priority. No job is important enough to put your life at risk.”
In 2025, self-employed people accounted for 40 per cent of all work-related fatalities, a stark and disproportionate figure that underlines the dangers of working without the support structures typically found in larger organisations. In addition, many self-employed workers operate alone, increasing the danger when incidents occur, as there may be no one present to help or raise the alarm.
Mr Cullen warned: “Working safely is entirely possible even if you are self-employed or working alone. When you work alone, particularly in high-risk sectors such as agriculture and construction, you must be even more vigilant in planning your work and ensuring help is available when you need it or if something goes wrong.”
In the coming year, the HSA will deliver a comprehensive programme of risk-based, evidence-led workplace health and safety inspections across all sectors of the economy. Those sectors that pose the highest health and safety risks will be targeted with a range of enforcement, compliance and awareness-raising interventions.
