Small reduction in number of fatal workplace accidents last year
A total of 47 people died during workplace accidents in Ireland last year.
Almost half of all these occurred in the farming and fishing sectors, according to the Health and Safety Authority.
The Authority's Annual Report for 2013 showed that 28 prosecutions for serious safety and health breaches were concluded last year, and fines of €2.1m were imposed.
There was a small reduction in year-on-year figure for workplace fatalities - 48 people died in 2012.
"The reduction in farming deaths was welcome, but it still remains far too high," read a HSA statement.
"The recent increase in the fatality rate in the construction sector heightens our concern.
"The Authority and its staff will redouble their efforts in bringing the culture of safety to all sectors of the Irish economy and nation."
