Sharp Rise in Work-Related Deaths in Ireland During 2025, HSA Provisional Figures Show
Provisional data published by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) reveals a significant increase in work-related fatalities in Ireland during 2025, raising serious concerns about occupational safety across the economy. According to the figures, 58 people died in work-related incidents last year, a 61 per cent rise compared with 36 fatalities in 2024. donegallive.ie+1
The 2025 increase interrupts the long-term downward trend in workplace fatality rates previously achieved by safety regulators. The HSA noted that the fatalities in 2025 represented a rate of approximately 2.1 deaths per 100,000 workers, up from about 1.3 per 100,000 in 2024. Irish Examiner
Sector Breakdown and Key Contributors
The provisional data highlights that the agricultural sector continued to account for a disproportionate number of deaths, despite employing a relatively small share of the workforce. In 2025:
Agriculture, forestry and fishing recorded 23 deaths, comprising around 40 per cent of all workplace fatalities. donegallive.ie
Construction recorded 10 deaths in 2025, double the number reported in 2024. donegallive.ie
Manufacturing accounted for five fatalities, compared with none in the previous year. donegallive.ie
These trends reflect ongoing risks in high-hazard sectors where heavy machinery operation, work at height, and vehicle movements remain common. Hazards such as being struck by falling objects, vehicle incidents, and falls from height were prominent causes of fatalities. Irish Examiner
Regional Variations
Certain counties exhibited notably high numbers of workplace deaths. For example, Donegal recorded six work-related fatalities in 2025, tying with larger counties such as Dublin and Cork for the highest number recorded in any single county. Only a small number of counties, including Carlow and Monaghan, reported no workplace fatalities during the year. donegallive.ie
Context from Previous Years
In contrast to the sharp increase in 2025, provisional figures from the HSA showed that workplace fatalities fell to record low levels in 2024, when 36 work-related deaths were recorded. Health and Safety Authority This followed a long-term decline in the fatality rate per 100,000 workers over the previous decade, with the rate falling from 2.7 in 2015 to around 1.2 in 2024. Health and Safety Authority
Safety Watchdog Response and Industry Reaction
Reacting to the provisional 2025 figures, HSA Chief Executive Officer Mark Cullen described the trend as “deeply concerning,” stressing that every workplace death represents a tragedy affecting families and communities. Cullen highlighted that many well-known hazards were still not being adequately controlled and urged both employers and workers to remain vigilant in managing risks. Irish Examiner
The HSA’s remarks underscore calls from trade unions, safety advocates and sector bodies for enhanced enforcement of health and safety regulations, improved risk assessment practices, and targeted interventions in high-risk sectors.
Outlook and Safety Imperatives
The provisional rise in workplace fatalities during 2025 may prompt renewed focus on safety policy reforms and compliance incentives across Ireland’s economy. Stakeholders will likely emphasise strengthening training, more robust inspection regimes, and industry-specific safety programmes to reverse the upward trend in workplace deaths.
The final figures and a detailed breakdown of the data are expected when the HSA publishes its full annual report later in 2026.
Aaron Joyce, Newswire, L.T.T Media; Newsdesk; January 5, 2026
