As farm safety week begins from Monday 21 July, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is urging farmers, their families and all working in the agricultural sector to prioritise safety.

A spokesperson for the HSA said that 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.

So far in 2025, there have been 12 farming fatalities, the same amount as the total number of fatalities in farming in 2024.

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Of the 12, five of these fatalities involved vehicles. In nine of the cases, the deceased was over 65 years of age.

Ger Hartnett, senior inspector at the HSA, said: “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.”

Encouraging

"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," he added.

Farm Safety Week is a campaign that highlights the ongoing dangers faced in farming. It brings together farming organisations from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England to focus on improving farm safety.

The campaign was originally launched by the Farm Safety Foundation (yellow wellies) in the UK and is coordinated in Ireland by the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA).