28 Donegal people killed due to work activity in past decade

Twenty-eight people in Donegal have lost their lives in workplace accidents in the last ten years, according to the Health and Safety Authority. 

From 2008 to 2017, Donegal had 28 workplace fatalities, with half of these (14) in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector. Of that 14, there were 6 in fishing and 8 in agriculture.

See the table below for yearly work-related fatality figures in the county:

501 people in Ireland were killed in work-related accidents and thousands more badly injured in the 10 year study period. Last year alone, 46 people were killed at work. Six deaths have occurred in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector already this year.

These figures have been highlighted this week ahead of Workers’ Memorial Day Ireland.

Saturday April 28th is an important date for everyone with an interest in the safety, health and welfare of people at work. It’s the date every year when trade union and employer groups worldwide, as well as individual organisations, remember those who have been killed or injured in work-related accidents.

Colleagues from Congress, Ibec, the Health and Safety Authority and Construction Industry Federation will come together to mark the occasion with a programme of joint awareness raising initiatives.

Organisations are being encouraged to take this opportunity to review their approach to safety and health in the workplace and to consider initiatives such as in-house training sessions, toolbox talks or to promote safety through, for example, their websites, social media presence, and displays in offices.

Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen TD, whose remit includes workplace safety and health, said that a collaborative approach is vital: “The purpose of Workers’ Memorial Day is to remember accident victims and to collectively reflect on what can be done to prevent future tragedy.

“Workplace safety is everyone’s responsibility. Safety conditions are more likely to be improved when employers and employees engage proactively to identify risks in the workplace and the measures needed to eliminate them.  I am calling on all businesses, trade unions, workers and self-employed persons to strive to make their workplaces safer and healthier.”

Martin O’Halloran, Chief Executive of the HSA said: “If you average out the number of fatal accidents over the last 10 years, nearly every week one person has died due to work activity. Clearly prevention is the best course of action to take.

“Our message to organisations is simple; protect your people, your business and reputation by identifying hazardous activity and putting plans in place to reduce risks. Don’t wait until an accident or near miss occurs, make safety paramount today.”

Visit HSA.ie for information on safe and healthy workplace practices.