A new Health and Safety Authority review has renewed concerns about workplace safety across Ireland’s construction sector, with falls from height identified as the leading cause of fatalities between 2022 and 2024. The findings point to the need for stronger surveillance, particularly on smaller construction sites where safety controls may be harder to monitor.
The review recorded 23 workplace deaths in the construction industry during the three-year period. Falls from height accounted for 15 of those fatalities, making them the most significant recorded cause of death among construction workers.
Breaking News: What the HSA construction fatalities review found
The Health and Safety Authority published its Review of Construction Fatalities in the Republic of Ireland 2022–2024 on Tuesday. Its findings provide a detailed picture of fatal incidents in one of Ireland’s highest-risk industries.
While the review covers several years rather than a single incident, its publication carries immediate relevance for employers, workers, contractors and public bodies responsible for workplace enforcement. The figures show that falls remain a critical danger despite established safety rules and available protective equipment.
- There were 23 recorded construction workplace deaths between 2022 and 2024.
- Fifteen fatalities involved falls from height.
- Small construction sites require particular attention from safety inspectors.
- The findings reinforce the importance of planning, supervision and site-specific risk controls.
Why small construction sites are a particular concern
Large developments often have dedicated health and safety personnel, formal reporting systems and structured supervision. Smaller sites may operate with fewer workers and more limited administrative resources, creating challenges for consistent oversight.
That does not mean smaller contractors are less committed to safety. It does mean that hazards can be more difficult to identify and correct when responsibility is spread across a small team or when work changes rapidly from one day to the next.
Construction work involving roofs, scaffolding, ladders, temporary platforms and unfinished floors can expose workers to serious risks. Even a brief lapse in edge protection, access arrangements or supervision can have life-changing consequences.
Key safety controls on construction sites
Employers and contractors are expected to assess risks before work begins and put suitable controls in place. Important measures can include:
- Using collective protection, such as guardrails and properly secured platforms.
- Inspecting scaffolding, ladders and access equipment before use.
- Providing suitable fall-arrest equipment where other protections are not practicable.
- Training workers in safe systems of work and emergency procedures.
- Reviewing safety arrangements whenever site conditions or tasks change.
Personal protective equipment is important, but it should not replace safer planning or collective safeguards. Preventing a fall is generally preferable to relying solely on equipment designed to limit its consequences.
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What the findings mean for workers and employers
For workers, the review underlines the importance of raising concerns when a task appears unsafe. Employees should receive clear instructions, suitable training and equipment that is maintained and appropriate for the work being carried out.
For employers, the findings are a reminder that compliance must be active rather than a paperwork exercise. Risk assessments should reflect the real conditions on a site, including weather, changing ground levels, temporary structures and the presence of other contractors.
Construction sites also rely on communication between developers, principal contractors, subcontractors and workers. If information about a hazard is not passed along, a control that was effective at one stage of a project may no longer be sufficient later.
How workplace safety enforcement works in Ireland
The HSA is responsible for promoting and enforcing occupational health and safety law in Ireland. Its work includes inspections, investigations, guidance, education and enforcement action where breaches are identified.
Fatal incidents are investigated to establish what happened and whether legal duties were met. These investigations can also identify wider patterns, helping regulators direct inspections and improve guidance across an industry.
The construction sector has a large network of small businesses and subcontractors. That structure can make national oversight complex, particularly when projects are short-term or workers move between sites. More targeted inspections and accessible safety guidance may therefore be important in reducing preventable deaths.
What happens next?
The HSA review is likely to inform discussions about construction safety policy, inspections and employer responsibilities. The central question is how lessons from the recorded fatalities can be translated into daily practice on sites across the country.
Areas that may require continued attention include:
- More visible monitoring of smaller and rapidly changing sites.
- Improved awareness of fall-prevention obligations among contractors and workers.
- Better coordination between companies working on the same project.
- Prompt correction of hazards involving roofs, scaffolds, openings and temporary access.
The review does not suggest that every construction site presents the same level of risk. It does show, however, that fatal incidents continue to occur and that falls from height demand sustained attention.
Frequently asked questions
How many construction workers died in Ireland between 2022 and 2024?
The HSA review recorded 23 workplace deaths in Ireland’s construction industry during that period.
What was the leading cause of construction deaths?
Falls from height were the leading recorded cause, accounting for 15 fatalities.
Why are small construction sites being highlighted?
Smaller sites may have fewer dedicated safety resources and less formal supervision, making close monitoring and practical safety planning especially important.
Who is responsible for construction site safety?
Responsibility depends on the project structure, but employers, contractors and other duty holders must manage workplace risks and protect workers under Ireland’s health and safety framework.
Conclusion
The HSA’s construction fatalities review is a clear warning that falls from height remain a serious workplace danger in Ireland. With 23 deaths recorded between 2022 and 2024, including 15 linked to falls, closer surveillance of small sites should be treated as a practical safety priority. Strong planning, effective supervision and prompt action on hazards can help prevent future tragedies and make Ireland’s construction industry safer for everyone.
