New figures released by the Injuries Board reveal that the amount of compensation awarded by the Board rose 9pc in 2013 when compared to 2012.

The average amount awarded rose too, from €27,286 in 2012 to €28,886 last year.

“Our data shows a year-on- year increase in the number of awards made as a result of accidents in the workplace,” Injuries Board chief executive Patricia Byron said.

“As the economy starts to grow again, and as businesses around the country begin to expand, it is important that a renewed focus on health and safety is cultivated,” Ms Byron added.

She told the Irish Independent that while she has no “categoric information” on why Thursdays are more dangerous, working patterns may have something to do with it.

“On Thursdays I think there are more people at work and they are longer at work, by and large,” she said.

“Most people don’t work on the weekends, and if they are taking a break they may take it either side of the weekend,” Ms Byron added.

“We would feel that if people take a short working week they get very busy on Thursday, they may be trying to hit targets before the weekend, and they may even be tired at that stage of the week.”

Last year almost a third of all payouts – 255 in total – resulted from slips, trips and falls, while people being struck by objects accounted for 13.4pc.

Dublin, Cork and Limerick were the counties with the highest number of awards, while Leitrim, Roscommon, Sligo and Longford had the lowest.

Injuries to men accounted for almost 70pc of awards, and men are also more likely to get higher compensation.

The average award to men was €29,523 last year, while women got an average of €27,441.

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