Recently published European data has shown accidents in the workplace in Ireland are three times less likely than the EU average.
The statistics, compiled by Eurostat, based on figures from 1999, show that one in 77 people in Ireland has a serious injury in the workplace compared to the European average of one in 24.
The figures show the average rate of accidents per 100,000 people.
Serious accidents in the workplace have reduced by 14 per cent since 1998, according to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).
Mr Tony Briscoe, Assistant Director, IBEC, said the results reflect a more educated workforce and companies that are more aware of their responsibilities.
The HSA said, however, while it welcomes the figures in terms of accident rates, the numbers of fatalities in the construction industry have increased from 15 in 2001 to 21 in 2002.