IrelandI was injured at work due to unsafe conditions.
If you were injured at work due to unsafe conditions in Ireland, your employer may be legally liable under health and safety law and the Civil Liability Act 1961. You generally have two years from the date of injury to begin legal proceedings.
What the Law Says
The Civil Liability Act 1961 sets out general principles on liability for personal injuries in Ireland. While it does not create specific workplace safety duties, it governs how liability is determined when someone is injured — including in employment settings — and supports claims based on negligence or breach of statutory duty.
Under Irish law, employers owe a duty of care to their employees to provide a safe working environment. This includes maintaining safe plant and equipment, providing proper training and supervision, and ensuring systems of work are safe.
The Civil Liability Act 1961 does not itself define what constitutes unsafe conditions, but it provides the legal framework for pursuing compensation where injury results from another’s fault — such as an employer’s failure to meet their duty of care.
Section 34 of the Act deals with contribution between persons liable in respect of the same damage — meaning if more than one party contributed to your injury (e.g., employer and contractor), the court can apportion liability accordingly.
Statutory TextWhere damage is caused by the fault of two or more persons, the court may, having regard to the degree of fault attributable to each of them, determine the extent to which each of them shall be liable in respect of the damage.
— Civil Liability Act 1961, s. 34 — Contribution between persons liable
What to Do
Report the injury to your employer immediately and ensure it is recorded in the company’s accident book.
Seek medical attention and keep all records, including diagnosis, treatment, and time off work.
Gather evidence — photos of unsafe conditions, witness names, and any safety documentation or reports.
Contact the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) if the hazard remains unaddressed.
Consult a solicitor within 2 years of the injury to explore a civil claim for compensation.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.