The rate of farming-related deaths continues to rise despite a sharp reduction in the number of people employed in the sector.
This year, 18 people died in farm related accidents including two children, according to figures released today by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). This is an increase of five compared with 2002.
Agricultural accidents were the largest proportion of the 65 work-related deaths in the State this year. Three more people died in work this year compared with 2002. The most common cause of death at work was falling from height.
According to the HSA, when the rise in the number of people in employment in the State is taken into account, the level of work-related injuries and illnesses has fallen by 14,000 between 1999 to 2003.
The HSA says improved health and safety measures in the construction sector accounted for almost half of the reduction in injuries. However, the construction industry saw 17 workplace deaths in 2003, a figure that includes the death of a child.
Mr Tom Beegan chief executive of the HSA said: "A rapid economic expansion is usually associated with greater challenges to health and safety at work as it often involves an increased number of less experienced workers, less time for training and higher deadline pressure. It is noteworthy that Ireland has escaped this deterioration of standards and even achieved an improvement during this changing time."
He said the figures indicate a "downward trend in accidents and injuries since 1999".