Minister Healy-Rae expresses concern about farming’s safety record
- Published on: 20 May 2025
- Last updated on: 20 May 2025
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae TD, today voiced his concern about the significant increase in work-related fatalities in recent weeks among outdoor workers, particularly among farmers.
Speaking today, Minister Healy-Rae said:
“The recent number of fatal incidents on farms is very concerning. Every farm fatality is a tragedy, leaving behind grieving families and communities and I extend my sympathies to those who lost loved ones and recognise the immense pain that these families, friends and communities are going through.”
The Minister added:
“These losses serve to remind us that safety must be prioritised above everything else, and farmers must make every effort to ensure their own safety and the safety of everyone working on or visiting their farm.”
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) data shows that farming continues to have a disproportionately high rate of workplace fatalities, accounting for two in five of all fatal workplace incidents despite only representing 6.5% of the workforce. This year, farming has accounted for five of the ten workplace fatalities, with fishing accounting for one fatality.
Minister Healy-Rae reminded farmers to make every effort to minimise the risk of a serious incident, particularly highlighting the dangers when operating a quad and when working from height.
The Minister said:
“With the HSA being notified of three fatal incidents involving quads in the past month, now is the time for farmers to invest in a helmet and complete the required quad safety training, if they haven’t already done so. Farmers must also ensure that only drivers who have completed the required training and wear a helmet are allowed to operate a quad.”
Stressing the importance of safety when working at height, Minister Healy-Rae added:
“With a significant amount of building maintenance and construction being carried out on farms, farmers must assess the risks and ensure that the required protective measures to prevent falls are always in place before working at height.”
For further information, visit www.gov.ie/farmsafety.