New action plan to target high level of farm deaths
The Farm Safety Partnership (FSPAC), an advisory committee to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), has today (Wednesday, July 2) launched the latest Farm Safety Action Plan 2025-2027.
It is aimed at significantly reducing fatalities, injuries and occupational health issues in Ireland’s agricultural sector.
Over the past decade, farming has accounted for approximately 38% of all workplace fatalities in Ireland, despite representing just 11% of the working population.
This new action plan sets ambitious goals to tackle persistent safety challenges in the sector while fostering a culture of safety and wellbeing among farmers and agricultural workers.
Launching the plan at the Teagasc Moorepark Dairy Open Day in Co. Cork, Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, farm safety and horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae said: “Farming is the backbone of our rural economy, but too many lives have been lost in incidents on Irish farms.
"The implementation of this new Farm Safety Action Plan is an essential step towards ensuring that every farmer - young or old - can return home safely at the end of each day’s work.
"I’m calling on all farmers to think safety first and not to be complacent when it comes to putting simple measures in place which can minimise the risk of an incident.
"My department continues to work with stakeholders across the sector in developing and implementing initiatives which support the efforts of the Farm Safety Partnership to improve the safety and health of the farming community.”
Interim HSA chief executive officer, Mark Cullen added: "Reducing serious farm incidents and fatalities is a shared responsibility.
"This plan brings together farmers, policymakers, industry experts, and educators to create safer farms for future generations. Together, we can build a culture of safety that protects lives and livelihoods.”
Chairperson of the FSPAC, Ciaran Roche highlighted the plan's importance, and said: "Irish farmers have made good progress in improving safety awareness and adopting safety measures, but there is much more to do.
"With a new focus on cultural and behavioural change, practical skills training, and targeted initiatives for vulnerable groups, this action plan charts a path toward healthier, safer farming communities.”
Key areas of focus for the Farm Safety Action Plan 2025–2027 include:
- Promoting cultural and behavioural changes to improve farm safety and health;
- Protecting vulnerable groups, including children, older farmers, and migrant workers;
- Reducing deaths and injuries caused by high-hazard activities such as vehicle operation, livestock handling, and working at heights.
The FSPAC has established five dedicated working groups to address the following key risk areas:
- Behaviour, education, and training;
- Vulnerable persons and health;
- Vehicles and high-risk machinery;
- Livestock handling;
- Farm buildings, construction, and work at height.
The new action plan also includes innovative measures such as virtual reality training, enhanced education for children and young farmers, and practical supports for older farmers, who remain the most vulnerable demographic.
