5 days ago
There have been 12 fatalities on Irish farms so far this year
There have been 12 farming fatalities so far this year, already matching the total number of fatalities in farming in 2024.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is urging farmers' families and all agricultural staff to prioritise safety as Farm Safety Week 2025 kicks off this week.
Farm Safety Week is an important campaign that highlights the ongoing dangers faced in farming. This collaborative campaign, originally launched by the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) in the UK and coordinated in Ireland by the 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. Many of these incidents are preventable, often involving vehicles, machinery, livestock and falls from height.
Of the 12 farming fatalities, five (41%) of these fatalities involved vehicles. In nine (75%), of the cases, the deceased was over 65 years of age.
Out of the total of 12 so far, three have occurred in Donegal. Clare, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Leitrim, Mayo, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow all have one apiece.
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,' Mr Hartnett added. 'Keep your vehicles and machinery well maintained. Plan all work activity. Rest when you feel tired, take a break. Know your limitations.'
Farm safety minister Michael Healy-Rae said he was "deeply concerned" by the significant rise in farm fatalities. "[This is] a trend that casts a long shadow over our farming and rural communities. I urge all farmers to review their Farm Safety Code of Practice Risk Assessment document and to make the necessary changes to ensure their safety and the safety of others on their farms.
"I am also asking farmers to ask themselves if they are making every effort to prevent incidents and what further steps they can take to minimise the risk of an incident.
"Every farm fatality is a tragedy, leaving behind grieving families, friends and communities. I appeal to farmers to protect themselves and those around them and to prioritise farm safety above all else.'
