There was a 16% fall in the number of on-site building fatalities last year, according to new figures.

The Irish Health and Safety Authority reported three fewer construction related deaths in 2008.

The previous year 18 people had been killed when working in the traditionally 'high-risk' sector.

However, an official has insisted there is still more work to be done, in order to cut the number of deaths next year.

"The construction sector has improved but there is still room for improvement. 15 deaths is 15 deaths too many," said the authority's spokesman.

"The Health and Safety Authority work closely with the Construction Industry Federation and other stakeholders within the construction industry. We’re pleased that there now exists a mindset of health and safety and we anticipate further reductions in 2009."

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In 2008 there was a total of 57 work-related deaths, representing a 15% decrease on the 67 work-related deaths reported in 2007.

Labour Minister Billy Kelleher has expressed concerns that farm deaths now represent a third of all fatalities.

He said: "While I am pleased at the overall reduction in workplace deaths, we need to see significant improvements in the agriculture sector. Farmers must make safety and health part of their daily working lives.

"I want everyone in farming when they are going about any task to take a few minutes to assess any risks and to take preventative action. Indeed, this applies to all workers and employers across the whole range of workplaces. A simple thing like this could save your life," added the Minister.

The types of accidents occurring in workplaces are similar in pattern to previous years and are primarily related to ‘handling, lifting and carrying’ and ‘slips, trips and falls.’

(PR/KMcA)