The publication of the Health and Safety Authority’s (HSA) Annual Report 2025 makes for sobering reading, with the report confirming that 61 people lost their lives in work-related incidents during 2025. While these figures have been known since early January, the full report highlights the scale of the challenge facing employers, workers and safety professionals across Ireland.
The 61 fatalities recorded represent the highest annual workplace death toll since 2007 and mark a significant increase from the 36 fatalities reported in 2024. The figures serve as a stark reminder that, despite ongoing improvements in safety management, workplace accidents continue to have devastating consequences for families, colleagues and communities.
In her report to the Minister with responsibility for health and safety, HSA Chairperson Patricia Byron acknowledged the seriousness of the increase, while HSA Chief Executive Mark Cullen described the figures as a “stark reminder” of the importance of strengthening occupational health and safety standards nationwide.
Agriculture Remains a Key Concern
One of the most concerning trends highlighted in the report is the continued overrepresentation of the agricultural sector in workplace fatalities. In particular, incidents involving self-employed farmers aged over 60 remain a significant concern.
Agriculture has historically been one of Ireland’s highest-risk sectors, and the latest figures reinforce the need for continued investment in farmer safety awareness, risk assessments, machinery safety, and succession planning to ensure safer working practices across the industry.
Increased Enforcement and Inspection Activity
Alongside the troubling fatality figures, the report also highlights a significant increase in HSA inspection and enforcement activity.
During 2025, the Authority conducted 11,974 inspections and investigations, the highest number recorded since 2007. This included:
- 10,782 occupational safety and health inspections
- 1,052 inspections relating to the Chemicals Act and the carriage of dangerous goods by road
- 426 market surveillance assessments of industrial products
The sectoral breakdown of occupational safety and health inspections included:
- Construction – 2,845 inspections
- Wholesale and retail – 1,548 inspections
- Manufacturing – 1,337 inspections
- Agriculture – 1,243 inspections
- Transport and storage – 871 inspections
- Health and social care – 628 inspections
- Accommodation and food services – 541 inspections
- Water, sewerage and waste services – 461 inspections
- Administrative and support services – 261 inspections
- Other sectors – 1,988 inspections
These figures demonstrate the Authority’s continued commitment to proactive enforcement and engagement across a broad range of industries.
Enforcement Outcomes
The report also reveals robust enforcement action during the year:
- 420 prohibition notices issued
- 415 improvement notices issued
- 9,526 written advice letters issued
- 22 prosecutions completed
The courts imposed total fines of €2.468 million arising from completed prosecutions. Fifteen of these cases were heard in the Circuit Court, where the average fine imposed was €164,666, with the highest fine reaching €650,000.
District Court prosecutions resulted in total fines of €16,000, with an average fine of approximately €2,285.
These outcomes underline the financial and reputational consequences that can arise when organisations fail to meet their health and safety obligations.
Supporting Families Following Workplace Tragedies
A notable aspect of the report is the HSA’s continued work through its Victim Liaison Office, which supports families affected by workplace fatalities.
The report notes that all fatal workplace accidents reported to the Authority were investigated, resulting in 131 fatal accident investigations during 2025. In addition, 60 cases were referred to the Victim Liaison Office, which facilitated more than 500 communications with affected families throughout the year.
Keeping families informed about investigation progress and court proceedings remains an important part of the Authority’s role following workplace tragedies.
Lessons for Employers
At Trant O’Meara Health & Safety Specialists, we believe the findings of the HSA Annual Report 2025 reinforce the importance of maintaining a strong safety culture in every workplace.
While increased inspection activity and enforcement are encouraging indicators of regulatory commitment, the rise in workplace fatalities is a reminder that compliance alone is not enough. Employers must continue to focus on:
- Effective risk assessments
- Employee training and competency
- Safe systems of work
- Equipment and machinery safety
- Contractor management
- Regular health and safety audits
- Leadership commitment to workplace safety
Every workplace fatality represents a life lost and a family forever impacted. The challenge for all organisations is to ensure that safety remains a daily priority rather than simply a compliance requirement.
The HSA’s latest report sends a clear message: despite progress in many areas, there is still significant work to be done to make Irish workplaces safer for everyone.
