There was an increase in non-fatal workplace injuries last year, according to a new report from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) published today.
A total of 8,279 non-fatal incidents were reported to the HSA in 2021, an 8% increase on the previous year.
The HSA said this is likely to be due in part to increased economic activity following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.
The most common work-related illnesses are bone, joint or muscle problems followed by stress, depression or anxiety.
The details are contained in the HSA's Annual Review of Workplace Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities.
The report also confirms that the 38 work-related deaths recorded in 2021 represented a 30% reduction compared to the previous year and was the lowest figure recorded since the foundation of the HSA in 1989.
The most common causes leading to deaths in workplace settings were the loss of control of a vehicle or its attachments and falling from a height, which between them accounted for over half of all fatalities.
Older, self-employed males undertaking manual work are over-represented in the injury and fatality statistics.
The farming and construction sectors account for half of all work-related fatalities.
"I welcome the fact that 38 fatalities in 2021 is the lowest number on record, however, our view is that all of these fatalities are foreseeable and preventable," chief executive of the HSA Sharon McGuinness said.
"It is clear that there is a worrying trend of serious injuries and fatalities in older, self-employed men involved in manual work."
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"Anecdotal evidence suggests that this cohort may consider health and safety as 'not necessary' or that they 'know what they're doing’, but there is a clear issue here that needs to be addressed," Ms McGuinness said.
Today marks the start of European Week for Safety and Health at Work focusing on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
The most common work-related MSDs relate to back injury and upper limb disorders.
