New HSA Review Spotlight on Construction Hazards

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has released a comprehensive review examining work-related fatalities within the Republic of Ireland's construction sector. The report, which spans data collected from 2022 to 2024, underscores persistent structural safety risks across the industry, with a primary focus on smaller operations and working-at-height failures.

During the three-year review period, 23 work-related fatalities were officially recorded in the sector. While overall regulatory oversight and long-term safety metrics have shown general improvement across major commercial builds, the data reveals concerning trends among micro-enterprises and independent contractors.

The Danger on Smaller Sites and Height Work

The most striking finding within the HSA review is the concentration of fatal incidents on smaller construction sites. According to the data, 19 out of the 23 recorded fatalities—representing a staggering 83%—occurred on sites employing between just one and four workers. Furthermore, self-employed individuals accounted for 10 of these deaths, or 43% of the overall total.

In terms of specific hazards, falls from height continue to be the leading cause of death by a significant margin. Accounting for 15 out of the 23 fatalities (approximately 65%), falls from height demonstrate that basic safety controls, edge protection, and proper scaffolding protocols are still being overlooked or improperly managed. The demographic breakdown shows that all victims were men, with 87% falling into the 35-to-64 age bracket.

Related training: If you are looking to qualify as a trainer in this area, see health and safety trainer qualifications or explore lone worker safety training for nationally recognised UK and Ireland qualifications.

Regulatory Enforcement and Industry Response

Regulatory bodies across both Ireland and the UK continue to stress that safety compliance cannot be optional, regardless of project scale. Assistant Chief Executive at the HSA, Eibhlin O'Leary, emphasized that employers, self-employed contractors, and project supervisors must rigorously assess risks and plan work sequences safely before any physical tasks commence.

  • Risk Assessment: Comprehensive site-specific hazard identification must occur prior to deploying personnel.
  • Collective Protection: Prioritising scaffolds, working platforms, and safety nets over personal fall arrest systems where feasible.
  • Competency & Supervision: Ensuring that small-scale operators possess up-to-date certifications and practical safety training.

To bridge the knowledge gap and drive down preventable workplace injuries, comprehensive training remains essential for all construction professionals. Organisations looking to improve site compliance and protect their workforce can access accredited health and safety programmes through Abertay Training at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk