Past Year Sees 12 Deaths At NI Workplaces

Some 12 people lost their lives in workplace injuries in the past year, new figures have revealed.

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) said the deaths mark an increase of one when compared with the previous year. Of the 12 fatal injuries, seven occurred in agriculture, three in construction, one in manufacturing and one in the local authority sector.

A significant decrease in major injuries of 28% was also displayed in the bulletin, with 325 incidents recorded compared to 453 the previous year.

Chairperson of HSENI, Derek Martin expressed disappointment at the number of workplace deaths, while saying he is encouraged by the drop in major injuries.

He said: "We will continue to collaborate with our partners and industry bodies to ensure the focus remains on ensuring the safety and health of workers. I am extremely supportive of the work we have carried out in the field of occupational health and hygiene. We will continue to raise awareness of issues in the workplace which we know are associated with chronic ill-health."

The number of fatalities in the agricultural sector remains the biggest concern. HSENI continues to work alongside partner agencies through the Farm Safety Partnership to safeguard farm workers across Northern Ireland.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Robert Kidd highlighted positive steps within the construction industry, saying: "The construction industry has made huge steps in managing both health and safety but there can be no room for complacency in the management of safe work at height where we saw two fatalities this year.

"HSENI remains focused on the important work of stopping unsafe working practices and making industries safer every day. We are grateful to all those who share our ambition to make Northern Ireland's workplaces as safe and healthy as possible, and who have contributed to the achievement of the outcomes set out in our Annual Report."



(JG/CM)