Health and Safety Authority (HSA) Annual Report 2023: A Comprehensive Overview of Safety and Compliance in Ireland’s Construction Sector

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) published its Annual Report for 2023, highlighting key statistics and initiatives aimed at improving enforcement and compliance across various workplaces in Ireland. The report underscores the HSA’s commitment to reducing workplace fatalities, addressing safety risks, and encouraging a culture of compliance through proactive inspections and targeted enforcement actions.

Key statistics

In 2023, the HSA conducted a total of 10,713 inspections and investigations across multiple sectors, including construction, agriculture, and manufacturing. These efforts were a mix of compliance checks, risk-based inspections, and follow-ups on reported incidents. Of these, 9,995 were proactive inspections, with an additional 463 reactive inspections, 225 investigations and 30 inspections and investigations which were categorised as “other” regulatory activities.

The construction sector accounted for 2,119 inspections and investigations, representing a significant focus on one of the most high-risk industries in Ireland.

Notably, the HSA’s enforcement actions in 2023 included 19 prosecutions across various industries, which resulted in fines totalling nearly €1.4 million.

The HSA issued 290 prohibition notices and 404 improvement notices across all sectors, with 144 prohibition notices and 37 improvement notices specifically in construction.

The HSA also launched a new campaign focusing on safety in renewable energy construction, particularly wind and solar farms, issuing over 28 inspection reports highlighting areas for improved safety protocols.

Work-related fatal incidents

The 2023 report recorded 43 fatalities due to work-related incidents in Ireland, marking an increase compared to the previous year, which had seen the lowest fatality rate since 1989.

Despite this increase, the report highlights a broader trend of declining fatality rates over the past decade, with the rate dropping from 2.8 per 100,000 workers in 2014 to 1.6 per 100,000 in 2023.

Construction and agriculture remain the two most hazardous sectors, together accounting for over two-thirds of all fatalities. Specifically, 11 construction workers lost their lives in 2023, while 16 fatalities were reported in farming.

Inspection campaigns

Within the 2,119 inspections carried out in the construction sector, a focused set of 389 inspections were conducted as part of two targeted construction campaigns.  These campaigns primarily addressed high-risk activities such as working at heights, which remains one of the top safety concerns within the industry. During these inspections, significant non-compliance was found in areas such as fall prevention and the safe use of elevated work platforms. As a result, the HSA issued 45 prohibition and improvement notices, many of which focused on enhancing safety measures for fall protection, improving pedestrian-vehicle traffic management, and ensuring that qualified supervisors were present on construction sites. Additionally, inspectors evaluated whether sites adhered to legal requirements regarding safety statements and risk assessments, both of which are essential in identifying hazards and implementing control measures.

Enforcement actions and prosecutions

To enforce compliance with health and safety regulations, the HSA pursued 19 prosecutions across various sectors in 2023, resulting in substantial fines for violators. In the construction sector, these actions were primarily driven by safety breaches such as failure to manage height-related risks, inadequate site management, and negligence in machinery and vehicle safety standards. The HSA’s enforcement efforts were complemented by awareness campaigns aimed at improving safety practices and reducing fatalities.

Focus on training and safety at heights

A central theme in the HSA’s 2023 report is the emphasis on training for height safety and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including harnesses and helmets. Many fatalities in construction are attributed to falls caused by insufficient or improper safety equipment. In response, the HSA strengthened training programmes and collaborated with industry groups, including the Construction Safety Partnership Advisory Committee (CSPAC), to raise awareness of best practices and improve on-site safety training for workers.

Addressing new risks in renewable energy construction

With the growing demand for renewable energy installations, such as wind and solar farms, the HSA launched a dedicated inspection campaign targeting the unique safety challenges posed by these new construction sectors. While no enforcement notices were issued as part of the campaign, 28 inspection reports highlighted the need for enhanced safety protocols, particularly in relation to electrical hazards and height-related risks.

Emphasis on psychosocial risks

The HSA’s 2023 report also draws attention to the importance of addressing psychosocial risks in the construction sector. These risks, including workplace stress and mental health challenges, can significantly impact worker safety. The HSA introduced the “WorkPositive^CI” tool, designed to help employers assess and manage psychosocial risks, particularly in high-stress environments like construction. The tool aims to improve overall worker well-being and reduce the potential for accidents linked to mental health issues.

Collaborative efforts and stakeholder engagement

The HSA’s construction safety initiatives were further supported by collaboration with industry stakeholders. Through its partnerships with the Construction Safety Partnership Advisory Committee (CSPAC), the HSA provided targeted safety guidance and updated resources for workers on issues such as respirable crystalline silica exposure and the safe assembly of timber-frame structures. These efforts are part of the HSA’s broader strategy to engage both employers and employees in improving the safety culture within the construction sector.

Summary

The HSA Annual Report 2023 highlights its proactive approach to managing safety risks in various workplaces in Ireland. Through targeted inspections, focused campaigns, and robust enforcement actions, the HSA aims to reduce fatalities and improve compliance across the construction industry. However, with construction still ranked among the most hazardous sectors in Ireland, ongoing vigilance and continued collaboration with industry stakeholders are essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of construction workers. The report calls for sustained efforts to address not only physical safety risks but also the psychosocial factors that contribute to accidents and injuries in this demanding sector.