The figure is an increase on the previous year’s total of 47 and the five-year average for fatal injuries in the sector which stands at 42.

The HSE said: “While the number of fatalities fluctuates year-on-year, the average number of worker deaths in construction in the latest two years is statistically significantly higher than the pre-pandemic period.”

Construction again accounted for the largest number of fatal accidents across all industries with the total death toll standing at 138 during the year.