On 18 July, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) published its 2024 annual report. This report details the activity of the HSA in 2024, including inspections completed, breaches of safety regulations, awareness campaigns carried out, and more.
Key highlights from the HSA’s 2024 annual report
- Over 11,600 inspections and investigations were carried out in 2024, primarily across sectors such as construction, agriculture, manufacturing and healthcare.
- Workplace fatalities dropped to 34 in 2024, which is the lowest number since the HSA was created in 1989.
- Despite this drop in workplace fatalities, senior leaders within the HSA emphasised the importance of continued vigilance when it comes to workplace safety.
What can employers learn from the HSA’s 2024 annual report?
Despite the drop in workplace fatalities last year, employers must remain vigilant with regards to workplace safety.
Business owners, particularly those within high-risk sectors such as construction or farming, should ensure that they continue to stay on top of Health & Safety protocols and documentation. Here are some of our top tips for ensuring safety in the workplace:
- Risk assessments: Employers should regularly identify any and all workplace hazards or activities that could cause harm to employees, contractors, customers or members of the general public who visit your premises. These hazards should be documented in the form of a risk assessment, and measures should be taken to mitigate the associated risks.
- Safety statement: One of the most important pieces of Health & Safety documentation for any business is the Safety Statement. This document should be accurate, complete and should be communicated clearly to all employees.
- Training: Training your staff is crucial for mitigating Health & Safety risks in the workplace. If your staff are not sufficiently trained, you could be liable for any accidents that occur as a result. Ensure that you conduct regular and comprehensive training for all employees, particularly those who are operating heavy machinery or engaging in high-risk activities.