HSA calls for 'renewed commitment' from farmers to prioritise safety
The HSA said Farm Safety Week is an important campaign that highlights the ongoing dangers faced in farming.
The collaborative campaign, which was originally launched by the Farm Safety Foundation ('Yellow Wellies') in the UK and coordinated in Ireland by the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA), brings together farming organisations from across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England to focus on improving farm safety.
Farming continues to account for a disproportionate number of workplace deaths.
According to the HSA, many of these incidents are preventable, often involving vehicles, machinery, livestock and falls from height.
So far this year, there have been 12 farming fatalities, the same amount as the total number of fatalities in farming in the whole of 2024.
Of those 12 fatalities, five involved vehicles. In nine of the cases, the deceased was over 65 years of age.
Three of the 12 fatalities occurred in Co. Donegal, while there was one fatality each in counties Clare, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Leitrim, Mayo, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow.
The HSA is encouraging all those involved in farming to use this week to engage in meaningful conversations within families and communities about risk, responsibility, and prevention.
Commenting ahead of farm safety week, senior inspector at the HSA Ger Hartnett said: "Each life that is lost in farming is a devastating reminder that safety must come first every day, on every farm. We must remind ourselves that there are 12 families this year mourning the loss of a loved one and we must collectively renew our commitment to prevent further family tragedies.
"Farm Safety Week is an opportunity to reflect, to change behaviour, and to take proper action that can save lives. We want to see a change in the attitude towards farm safety. Keep your vehicles and machinery well maintained. Plan all work activity. Rest when you feel tired, take a break. Know your limitations," Hartnett added.
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