Farmers Make Up A Third Of All Workplace Deaths

Farming remains the most dangerous profession, accounting for 12 fatalities last year, new figures show.

The 12 accidental deaths on farms last year accounted for a third of all workplace-related deaths last year, despite the industry accounting for just 4% of the working population.

Provisional figures published by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) show Ireland recorded its lowest-ever rate of work-related fatalities last year, despite the the number of people working is at an all-time high. The 33 work-related deaths was a 23% reduction compared with 2023

However, farming remains the most dangerous profession, with the authority urging employers and the self-employed to ensure health and safety is a top priority in 2025. 

Two-thirds of all fatalities (22) occurred to those aged 55 and over. Agriculture, forestry and fishing accounted for 12 fatalities, all of which were farming incidents, representing over a third of all fatalities.

Cork, Dublin and Offaly accounted for the highest numbers of fatalities in 2024, with three fatalities occurring in each county.

Deaths involving vehicles were the number one cause, with 10 fatalities last year followed by six deaths from being struck by a falling object.

Three people were killed due to attacks or being struck by an animal. The HSA said two of these incidents were attacks by a bull.

“It is positive to see such a decline in the overall fatality figures for 2024, in particular the significant reduction in the high-risk agriculture and construction sectors,” HSA chief executive Conor O’Brien said.

“However, every work-related death is preventable. Vigilance and advance planning around health and safety at work is crucial to lowering the number of deaths further.”

(Source – Irish Examiner – Farming – Alan Healy – 08/01/2025)