The lowest level of work related accidents since the establishment of the Health and Safety Authority 20 years ago was recorded last year when 43 people lost their lives.
Figures in the 2009 annual report of the body also showed a decrease in the number of non-fatal accidents reported. These fell from 8,390 in 2008 to 6,707.
The drop in fatal accidents represented a 25 per cent decrease on the 2008 figure of 57 and brought the fatality rate down to two per 100,000 workers.
The report showed a continuing problem in the construction and agriculture sectors which continued to have the highest number and rates of fatalities.
While both showed a drop in fatal accidents and agriculture recorded 11 deaths, a decline of 50 per cent on 2008, construction fell by a third from 15 in 2008 to 10 in 2009.
One of the biggest shifts in trends in 2009 saw the percentage of fatalities involving the self-employed fall from 39 per cent (22) in 2008 to 16 per cent (7) of all fatalities in 2009.
Ireland maintained its position of third lowest rate of injuries per 100,000 workers in the EU 15 in 2007.
Sweden and Great Britain continue to occupy the positions of lowest and second lowest rates respectively.
Minister for Labour Affairs Dara Calleary, who launched the report, welcomed the reduction in death and accidents in the workplace but said there was no place for complacency.
"The reduction in workplace deaths during 2009 is welcome but there were still 43 people who lost their lives as a result of work activity. I believe that further reductions can be achieved by continuing to increase awareness and simplifying compliance," he said.