The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has published provisional figures showing that 58 people died in work-related incidents during 2025, representing a 61% increase on the 36 who died in 2024.
The agriculture sector, with 23 deaths, accounted for the highest number of fatalities, representing 40% of all work-related deaths last year from a sector employing around 4% of the workforce.
There were 10 deaths in the construction sector compared to five in 2024, while five fatalities were recorded in the manufacturing sector, compared to none the previous year.
The leading causes of death were being hit or crushed by falling objects, incidents with machinery or vehicles, and falling from a height.
The work-related fatality rate per 100,000 workers increased from 1.3 in 2024 to 2.1 in 2025, but the HSA said the long-term trend remains downward.
The figures show that 19 of the 58 victims were aged 65 or over, with the oldest victim aged 88.
According to the data, 40% of the victims were self-employed.
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Chief Executive Officer of the HSA Mark Cullen said the increase in work-related fatalities in 2025 is deeply concerning.
"Every death is a tragedy, and each one represents a life lost and a family devastated," Mr Cullen said.
"We recorded our lowest ever fatality rate in 2024 and, while annual figures can fluctuate, this sharp rise serves as a stark reminder that employers and workers alike must stay vigilant and avoid complacency when it comes to workplace safety.
"The fact that so many fatalities continue to involve machinery or vehicles, and falls from height, shows that well-known incident triggers are not being adequately controlled.
"These are hazards that can be managed through proper risk assessment, forward planning and ensuring that all employees are fully aware of the need to prioritise safe working behaviour," he added.
The HSA said that over the coming year, it will deliver a comprehensive programme of workplace health and safety inspections across all sectors of the economy.
"Those sectors that pose the highest health and safety risks will be targeted with a range of enforcement, compliance and awareness-raising interventions," the HSA said.
"It's something that never leaves you"
Brian Rohan knows the pain of losing a loved one in a farming accident.
In 2012, his father Liam died after receiving a head injury while working on machinery.
"Dad's injury caused a bleed to his brain and we had to switch off life-support three days later," Mr Rohan said.
Brian and his wife Norma founded Embrace Farm, which offers support to families dealing with similar tragedies.
"Behind each one of the statistics is a farm family that is suffering grief and loss, and our sympathies to those families," he said.
"No family ever expects to be part of our charity but unfortunately, due to the number of accidents, we have more families joining our charity every year."
"These are families missing a loved one at Christmas and every day - it is something that never leaves you," he added.
