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Number of workplace deaths in 2012 down by 13 per cent

47 people sustained fatal workplace injuries in 2012, down from 54 the previous year; farming is the most dangerous profession.

THE NUMBER of people who died in Irish workplaces in 2012 was down by 13 per cent when compared to the previous year, new figures published this morning show.

Data compiled by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) indicates that 47 people died in workplaces in 2012, down from 54 in 2011.

The deaths included a two-year-old who drowned in a pool of water after gaining access to an unfinished housing estate, and a 12-year-old who was driving a tractor when it overturned and trapped him beneath it.

Farming remains the profession with the highest number of fatalities; 21 people died in farm accidents last year, compared to 22 in the previous year.

The biggest reduction in deaths was in the transportation and storage sector, which accounted only for one death in 2012, compared to seven in 2011.

The number of fatalities rose in the construction sector, from six to eight. Four people died in wholesale, retail or during the repair of motor vehicles, up from two in 2011.

Deaths in the fishing and aquaculture industry rose from five to seven. That total includes the five men who died on the Tit Bonhomme when it sank off the coast of Cork in January.

HSA chief executive Martin O’Halloran said the body had made some progress in creating a culture of safe farming.

“Farms are family homes as well as workplaces so farmers need to realise that safe farming is about protecting themselves, their family and their businesses,” he said.

The 47 fatalities for 2012 included three Egyptian nationals – the men who died on the Tit Bonhomme – and three Polish nationals.

The agency is currently midway through a five-year programme to reduce work related accidents and ill-health.

Read: 21 people lost their lives farming last year

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7 Comments
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    Mute david whelan
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    May 2nd 2012, 9:31 PM

    united we stand divided we fall – congrats to the workers – Connolly and Larkin would be proud.

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    Mute Kenny McLawrence
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    May 2nd 2012, 9:36 PM

    These guys have their place in history. Irish labour history anyway. An example for us all what can happen if you stick together and stay united. Well done vita cortex workers and thank you for your courage.

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    Mute Eddie Barrett
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    May 2nd 2012, 9:34 PM

    Well done Workers – a huge dignified stand for your ordinary Civil Rights .

    122
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    Mute Paraic Simpson
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    May 2nd 2012, 9:37 PM

    Well done to the 32 individuals for their strength and perseverance. Now they can return to their homes and loved ones and get on with their lives.

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    Mute Thomas Mc Grory
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    May 2nd 2012, 10:03 PM

    Enda Kenny did nothing to help

    87
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    Mute Michael Heneghan
    Favourite Michael Heneghan
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    May 2nd 2012, 11:04 PM

    He was only comenting!

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    Mute Tony Skillington
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    May 2nd 2012, 9:50 PM

    No thanks to you Inda…not enough votes to be gotten I suppose…

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    Mute Annette Carroll
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    May 2nd 2012, 10:37 PM

    Well done vita cortex 32, so proud of you all, you have put the ” Rebel” back into cork

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    Mute Alan Dempsey
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    May 2nd 2012, 9:45 PM

    Well fair play to them

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    Mute Phil Howlin
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    May 2nd 2012, 11:22 PM

    Shows what can be done when right is on your side

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    Mute Liam Byrne
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    May 3rd 2012, 12:44 AM

    Who needs taoishits two cents. He obviously wants to be seen to have had some influence on it. You might as well ask a giraffe’s opinion- it has the same weight and relevance.

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    Mute Bridie Greene
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    May 2nd 2012, 9:40 PM

    Well done Mister Enda Kenny sir for ending this dispute in such a timely fashion. Hip hip hooray

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    Mute S P Mc Grath
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    May 2nd 2012, 11:29 PM

    Every bit of land we have is covered

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    Mute Oisin Murray
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    May 3rd 2012, 7:47 AM

    We should all take a leaf from their book and stop putting up with shite from bullies & banks etc… Protest does work, we need to change our narrow minded attitude towards protest in this country and save our nation…!

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    Mute Carlin Ite
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    May 3rd 2012, 6:58 AM

    I reckon the government a little worried about the vita cortex workers resolve. If the irish people start thinking that by gathering united together until their just demands are met the gov might have to deliver some election promises!

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    Mute Joe Keegan
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    May 3rd 2012, 1:05 AM

    So what was the deal?
    If we do not hear about it then the whole thing was a waste of time !!!!

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    Mute Leah O Reilly
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    May 3rd 2012, 5:37 PM

    Confidentiality clause joe,the option is not there for either side to go public with the terms ,this was not a fight to share the terms of a settlement for all of us in the public to discuss ,it was a fight to demand an uber wealthy employer live up to his responsibilities and not stroll off leaving everyone hanging with all of their money in his pocket and the government unable to stop him.Well these people stopped him and they are smiling today,that for anyone who cares about their fight or cares about upholding moral standards in business relations is enough of a result,it’s all we need to know ,they stood up ,they got a result,a well worth fight sir,let the confidentialities to the workers and their families ,they’ve been through enough and are heroes to all fair minded people.

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    Mute Ireland for Change
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    May 3rd 2012, 7:37 AM

    Exactly what was the deal newspapers reporting that the stand off has come to an end is grand but without the details or comments from any of the 32 all it is is a story in the paper

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    Mute Leah O Reilly
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    May 3rd 2012, 5:39 PM

    Same as my comment for joe.

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