Sixty-four people have died this year in workplace accidents, five fewer than last year, according to the Health and Safety Authority. In its end-of-year review, the authority pointed out that 26 of the fatalities were in the construction industry, the same as last year. The main causes of fatalities and injuries in the industry were falls. Ten of the 26 who died were not employed in the industry and included members of the public.
Fourteen people died in agricultural accidents. Twenty-three died last year. Twelve people died in vehicle-related accidents in a number of industries including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, transport, vehicle repair, landscape gardening and the public sector.