There were two work-related fatalities in Leitrim in 2025, new report states

There were two work-related fatalities in Leitrim in 2025, a new report by the Health and Safety Authority has shown. It also revealed a sharp rise in work-related fatalities for the year with fatalities rising from 36 in 2024 to 58 in 2025, with agriculture  the most dangerous sector in which to work. 

Leading causes of fatalities were being hit or crushed by falling objects, incidents with machinery or vehicles and falling from a height, with 19 of the 58 victims (33%)aged 65 or over and the oldest victim aged 88.

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The research showed that 23 of the 58 victims (40%) were self-employed.

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.

The construction sector recorded 10 fatalities compared to 5 in 2024, while 5 fatalities were recorded in the manufacturing sector, compared to none last year. 

Commenting on the figures, Mark Cullen, Chief Executive Officer of the Health and Safety Authority, 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.”

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Mr 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.” 

Self-employed workers continue to face significant risks at work, 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.