Work-related accidents killed 65 people last year in Ireland, according to the annual report of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).
Of the 65 deaths, 19 were in the agriculture sector and 17 in the construction sector while another four people working in other sectors died while carrying out construction work.
The most common causes of death involved falls and transport (excluding road traffic) as well as individuals being struck by overturning or collapsing objects.
Two additional fatalities were caused by occupational illnesses. One death was due to flour exposure and the other involved death from mesothelioma, a disease almost exclusively associated with past exposure to asbestos.
The most common non-fatal incident types reported for all sectors were injuries involving handling, lifting and carrying.
The report, published today by the Minister for Labour Affairs, Mr Fahey, shows cases involving serious breaches of health and safety are being increasingly referred to the courts.
Last year 76 prosecutions were completed, of which 15 were in the higher courts, compared to none in 1999.
A total of 10,700 workplace visits and investigations took place in 2003. Several high-profile awareness initiatives also took place including a major advertising campaign on farm safety and two safety campaigns directed at the construction industry.
Mr Fahey said there was "much work done in 2003 to foster important co-operative approaches to occupational health and safety. I would encourage all those involved in this vital aspect of working life to continue on this path".
Mr Frank Cunneen, Chairman of the HSA, said his organisation was "pleased to see a reduction of 15 per cent in the rate of injuries and ill health for workers since 1999 and pointed out that the Republic "now has the lowest rate of injuries in the EU".