Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 25 October 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Engagement with Chairperson of the Health and Safety Authority

Ms Patricia Byron:

I have been looking at this area. In 2021, there were 8,370 non-fatal injuries but it went up by 8% in 2022, at 9,070. I do not have a figure for the year to date in front of me but I think it is on the increase. Concerning trends, we are looking at where to spend the money. We are talking about psychosocial. It is still construction and farms. Farms represented 50% and construction 25%. From the figures I have been able to dive into, we need to focus on smaller construction sites. I have asked the executive about it. Something that came up across my line of sight of late is whether there are fewer legal requirements on smaller construction sites than on major ones. We find that more accidents occur in that area, particularly falling from heights. There was also a potential increase - do not take it as definite - but I am following a thread with many solar panels going up. Of course, in farms, there are many barns and all of that and people who maybe just jump up or get the guy next door.