Farming remains the most dangerous sector to work in in Ireland, Health and Safety Authority (HSA) provisional data for 2025 shows.

Last year, 58 people died in work-related incidents in Ireland, representing a 61% increase on the 36 who died in 2024.

The agriculture sector, with 23 deaths, continues to account for the highest number of fatalities, representing 40% of all work-related fatalities last year from a sector employing approximately 4% of the workforce.

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The construction sector recorded 10 fatalities compared with five in 2024, while five fatalities were recorded in the manufacturing sector, compared with none the year before.

Concerning

Commenting on the figures, CEO of the HSA Mark Cullen said: “The increase in work-related fatalities in 2025 is deeply concerning. 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,” he said.

Cullen emphasised the preventable nature of many of these incidents.

“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.

“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%) were aged 65 or over. 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.

Working alone

“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,” he said.

In the coming year, the HSA will deliver a 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.