Farmers, agricultural organisations, representative bodies, safety professionals and members of the public are asked to provide feedback on two draft documents aimed at strengthening health and safety standards across the agricultural sector by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).
The consultation process will allow stakeholders to contribute their expertise and experience to help ensure the final documents are practical, effective and responsive to the needs of the sector.
The public consultation relates to the farm safety code of practice risk assessment document for farms with three or less employees and code of practice for preventing injury and occupational ill health in agriculture for farms with three or less employees.
The draft documents have been developed to support improved safety management on farms and to provide practical guidance to farmers in identifying, assessing and managing workplace risks.
Fatalities
Farming accounted for almost 40% of all workplace fatalities in Ireland last year, with 25 of the 63 fatal incidents occurring on farms.
Senior agriculture inspector with the HSA Ger Hartnett said: “Through this consultation, we want to hear from farmers, representative organisations, advisers, contractors and others with an interest in farm safety. Their feedback will help ensure these documents provide practical guidance that supports safer and healthier working environments across Irish agriculture.”
The 2005 act allows employers (including most farmers) with three or less employees to comply with the terms of a code of practice as an alternative to preparing a written safety statement.
Submissions
The HSA encourages all interested parties to review the draft documents and submit their observations and recommendations during the consultation period.
The draft documents can be accessed here and submissions can be made here. The closing date is 31 July 2026.
SHARING OPTIONS