The number of work-related deaths fell by 32 per cent in 2006, according to new figures published by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).
There were 50 workplace deaths last year, compared to 74 deaths in 2005.
The data indicates that the agricultural and construction sectors remain the most dangerous, accounting for over half of all reported workplace deaths between them.
The agricultural sector was responsible for 18 deaths, the same figure as 2005. Ten of the 18 deaths involved people aged 65 years or over, and two were child fatalities. Eight of the fatal accidents in the agricultural sector occurred in Cork.
There was better news in the construction sector which saw a significant reduction in the number of deaths during the year, with just 12 people killed, as against 23 in 2005.
The most common fatal accident triggers in all sectors were "fall, collapse or breakage of material" and "falls from height".
Over 7000 non-fatal work injuries were also reported to the HSA in 2006.
Michael Henry, deputy chief executive of the HSA, said that although the sharp reduction in workplace fatalities was welcome there was no room for complacency.
The HSA recently began a new farm safety campaign to draw attention to the dangers of working in agriculture.