Injury rates among workers in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector are 54% higher than any other sector of the economy, a report has revealed.

An ESRI analysis of Work-related Injury and Illness from 2001 to 2014 showed that the average injury rate in the sector was 34 per 1,000 workers.

This was 54% higher than the average across other sectors of 22 injuries per 1,000 workers.

The ESRI report, launched by Pat Breen, minister of state at the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, found that:

  • The risk of injury was significantly higher in the boom years of 2001 to 2007 than in the recession of 2008 to 2011.
  • Men have a higher risk of injury than women.
  • People working fewer than 30 hours a week and those working variable hours are the highest risk groups.
  • People who have worked in the sector with less than six months’ experience are more than seven times more likely to be injured than those with one to two years’ experience.

    • The report found musculoskeletal problems such as back injuries accounted for 63% of all illnesses reported, followed by respiratory problems (10%).

    Between 2001 and 2008, the fatality rate in agriculture, forestry and fishing was five to seven times greater than for all other sectors combined.

  • FBD and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) will host Safeguarding the Future of Farming, a farm safety conference on Friday 20 April in the Cliff at Lyons Estate, Co Kildare.

    • Read more

    Quads 'most dangerous piece of machinery' – HSA

    More than 200 people killed in farm accidents

    The basics of completing a safety plan for your farm