Workplace injuries & Safety Steps

Construction work represented approximately 6% of the working population in 2021, it accounted for 26% of all workplace fatalities. This is a clear area of improvement for the sector & everyone in it!

The construction industry is a high-risk industry and remains a matter of continued focus.

How can we tackle these figures?
– Safety awareness training ✅
– Regular risk assessments ✅
– Safe work environment ✅
– Ensure the individual(s) assigned to the task is qualified ✅
– Wear PPE ✅
– Ensure equipment is safe, checked regularly & maintained professionally ✅
– Ensure your safety training is up to date, upholding best practices & the most recent regulations ✅

Workplace Fatalities

There were 38 reported work-related fatal incidents in 2021, the lowest number of any year since the HSA was established in 1989.

The construction sector saw a decline of 30% in 2022 compared to 2021

2019: There were 6’732 manual handling injuries which was a 3.3% increase on 2018.

Manual Handling injuries accounted for 14.5 % of all reported workplace injuries.

2020: The Health and Safety Authority of Ireland reported that there were 6,421 reported workplace injuries associated with manual handling

2021: The second most common associated with fatal incidents were fall from height 29%.

The most common trigger was manual handling leading to internal injury 2,656..

2022: Falling from height (9 fatalities) was one of the leading causes of work-related fatalities.

“40% of reported workplace injuries are caused by manual handling”

The Construction industry was reported as one of the most affected industries with 1,177 injuries in 2019.

Manual handling injuries account for over a third of reported injuries in the workplace. The most common injuries include back and shoulder injuries, sprains and strains, cuts and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

The most common manual handling injuries in Ireland in 2019 included:

• Sprains and strains (3,624 injuries)
• Cuts, lacerations and punctures (1,147 injuries)
• Contusions (1,054 injuries).

The most injured body part for workers was the back, associated with 21% of non-fatal accidents.

Be Smart, Be Safe

1. Ensure that all workers are up to date with the latest Safety training and have the skills they need
2. Regularly inspect the workplace for potential hazards and eliminate any that are found
3. Provide a safe and secure workplace environment for employees & enforce safety regulations and procedures
4. Regularly inspect and maintain safety equipment
5. Risk Assessments: The HSA’s report highlights the importance of ensuring that workplace risk assessments are regularly carried out and reviewed, with suitable precautions and controls established.

Are you keeping safe on site?