Farm Safety

What is the Open Call for Proposals for Farm Safety, Health and Wellbeing Projects?

This open call for project proposals is one of a series of initiatives being implemented in 2025 by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in helping to improve the safety, health and wellbeing of Irish farmers and their families.

The Department is inviting applications from individuals, groups and organisations that have the capability and vision, to develop and deliver projects which address farm safety, health and wellbeing challenges on Irish farms. These projects will support and promote best practice and bring about behavioural change to minimise the risks to the safety, health, and wellbeing of everyone on farms, including farmers, workers, farm families and visitors.

How to Apply

Completed application forms must be submitted by email to farmsafetycall@agriculture.gov.ie or by registered post to Crop Policy, Evaluation and Certification Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Backweston Administration Building, Celbridge, Co. Kildare.

The closing date is 5.00 pm on Monday 19 May 2025.

Please read the attached Specification Document for full details of the call.

This scheme, first introduced in 2020, is administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Revenue Commissioners. The Scheme allows for the Accelerated Capital Allowances of 50% per annum over two years on qualifying farm safety and adaptive equipment, as opposed to the standard period of eight years for plant and machinery.

The scheme provides for accelerated capital allowances for adaptive equipment for farmers with disabilities and for eligible farm safety equipment.

The list of qualifying safety equipment was expanded in Budget 2025 to include fixed sheep handling units, cattle crushes and races, calving gates, flood lights for farmyards, livestock monitors and sliding or roller doors for agricultural buildings. This additional equipment qualifies for accelerated capital allowances from 1st January 2025.

An annual budget of €5 million per annum has been allocated for the scheme.

The full list of equipment which qualifies for the Accelerated Wear and Tear Allowance is set out in the scheme terms and conditions.

For queries on the scheme, please email: acafarmsafetyequipment@agriculture.gov.ie

This measure is being introduced by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (the Department) to incentivise the purchase and use of PTO shaft covers which protect farmers and machinery operators from serious and fatal injuries.

Entanglement in power take-off (PTO) shafts has caused fatalities and life-changing injuries on Irish farms. This measure incentivises the purchase of PTO shaft covers to protect both farmers and others from incidents involving PTO shafts.

The measure will provide a financial contribution to participating farmers for a maximum of four PTO shaft covers. The grant aid will be at a rate of 60% subject to a maximum eligible cost of €100 per PTO shaft cover.

To qualify for this measure, you must first submit an Expression of Interest under the National Farm Safety Measure 2024 before purchasing PTO shaft cover(s). Claims for payment must be submitted by Friday 15 November 2024.

Note: This measure is separate to the National Farm Safety Measure 2023.

For further information on the National Farm Safety Measure 2024, click here.

On Monday 20th November 2023, representatives from across Ireland’s farming sector, education and research organisations, non-government organisations, government departments and agencies gathered in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise to attend the 'Cultivating Mental Health in Rural Ireland' Conference.

The Conference provided an opportunity for those attending to share their perspectives on mental health and to discuss how we can promote and support health and well-being in the farming community.

The half-day conference was hosted by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, with the support of The Department of Health and the Health Services Executive.

The conference was opened by Martin Heydon T.D. Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Farm Safety, who also chaired the first panel discussion.

The conference featured a distinguished list of panellists who participated in two panel discussions. The first panel discussion focussed on ‘Perspectives on Mental Health in the Farming Community’ while the second panel discussed ‘Promoting and Supporting Farmers Health and Wellbeing’.

The conference was recorded and can be viewed by clicking the link below.

Farm safety, health and well-being are vitally important.

Farming is one of the most dangerous occupations in Ireland with an average of 20 fatal incidents on farms every year. There was a significant reduction in 2021 where 10 deaths were recorded due to farm related incidents.

Fatalities on farms account for nearly half of all fatal workplace incidents in Ireland. However, farmers only represent 6% of the workforce.

With around 2,800 serious injuries annually on farms, many are life changing and place the farmers’ livelihood and farm at risk.

Livestock, particularly cows after calving, vehicles and machinery, falls from heights, lifting and handling, slurry and hazardous substances all pose risks, but incidents can be avoided if these risks are properly managed.

There is a common perception that farming is a healthy occupation. However, Irish farmers have a higher incidence of heart disease than other workers. Due to their work environment, farmers also have a higher risk of developing certain illnesses such as skin diseases or infections carried by animals.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is responsible for safety and health on farms.

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005, places a legal duty on employers, including farmers, to prepare and work to a safety statement. However, farmers with three or less employees can fulfil their statutory duty under the 2005 Act by completing a risk assessment document. The HSA has prepared and published a Code of Practice for Preventing Injury and Occupational Ill Health in Agriculture, which guides farmers in completing a risk assessment:

You can download the Code of Practice for Preventing Injury and Occupational Ill Health in Agricultureand risk assessment document here.

This risk assessment identifies the main health and safety risks in farming. It offers advice to help you see what areas on your farm, within buildings, hazardous chemicals, handling livestock, vehicles and machinery pose the greatest risk to health and safety. Once you have identified the potential risks on your farm, you can then take practical steps to avoid any incidents.

For more information, visit the agriculture section of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) website and also the farm health and safety section on the Teagasc website.

Further Information:

Health and Safety Authority Legal Page

Teagasc Legal page on Health and Safety at Work

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005

Farms are a high-risk environment for children, young persons and other vulnerable persons. Since 2012, 22 children have lost their lives on Irish farms, and around 1 in 10 of all fatalities on Irish farms are children.

We support AgriAware's Farm Safe Schoolspilot programme in primary schools that engages and educates children on farm safety. The interactive educational programme is designed to assist teachers in educating pupils about the potential dangers associated with farming and is part of a national strategy aimed at reducing the number of incidents on farms.

The overall responsibility for securing the safety and health of children and young people on farms rests with adults. Young children must have a safe play area which is securely separated from the farmyard.

The main risks to children on farms are:

• Tractors and machinery: passengers should only be allowed on tractors where there is a passenger seat. Children under 7 years should not be passengers on tractors.
• Self-propelled harvesters, power-driven machines, sprayers, slurry spreaders and chainsaws: children must be kept away from machinery as the operator may not be aware of their presence.
• Drowning: make sure that all slurry tanks and water hazards on the farm are properly covered or fenced off to prevent access by children. Disused slurry tanks and water hazards should either be fenced off, filled in, or adapted so that they can no longer hold water or liquids.
• Tree felling: children should be excluded from areas where chainsaws are in use.
• Falls/building collapse: children tend to climb gates or wheels, particularly large tractor wheels. Gates and pillars should be properly erected, so they do not fall over. Tractor wheel should be stored on the flat or, if upright, should be firmly secured. Stacks of bales, pallets or timber are also temptations for children to climb. Stacks should be built carefully to ensure they do not collapse. Fencing should be erected to prevent children gaining access to dangerous areas.
• Livestock: children should not be allowed near dangerous animals such as bulls, stallions, rams, stags and female animals with new-born young. Children should not be present when animals are being released from buildings after being housed or when animals are being loaded into trailers.
• Chemicals/poisoning: children under 16 should not handle chemicals. Chemicals should be securely locked away in a store in their original containers.

Further Information:

• Health and Safety Authority Agriculture Code of Practice
• Teagasc Child Safety Page
• HSA advice on Child Safety on Farms
• Code of Practice on Children and Young Persons in Agriculture
• The Child Safety on the Farm Information Sheet
• Children and Safety on Farms
• Play Safe, Stay Safe on the Farm
• Stay Safe on the Farm with Jessy
• The HSA's module for schools can be provided by teachers in classroom

Farm vehicles and machinery account for the highest proportion of farm deaths and injuries - making up almost half of all fatalities and incidents from 2012 to 2021.

Vehicles

When using tractors/vehicles:

• Tractor maintenance: always ensure that the vehicle is in a safe working condition before use. If a tractor needs repair, do not use it until it has been fixed.
• Hydraulic system: always examine hydraulic pipes before using hydraulic equipment. Repair or replace damaged pipes or couplings before use.
• Using vehicles on public roads: ensure that all mirrors, indicators, lights and wipers are clean and in working order.
• The vehicle must comply with the requirements of the Road Traffic Act.
• Vehicle parking: all vehicles vary in operating procedures. However, when parking; avoid parking on slopes, apply the handbrake, stop the engine and leave the fuel-control stop in the shut-off position, lower hydraulic equipment to the ground and remove the key.
• Safety cabs: ensure the safety cab is kept in good condition and tidy at all times. Objects on the floor could move and prevent pedals being operated, as well as being a hazard when accessing and exiting the cab.
• Passengers: do not carry passengers unless there is a passenger seat for each one. Where available, seatbelts must be worn.
• Overturning: always take great care to ensure that the vehicle does not overturn. Assess the slope and ground conditions before doing machinery work on slopes. If a tractor is about to overturn, do not attempt to jump clear; stay in the cab and hold onto the steering wheel.
• Trailer braking: ensure that both the tractor and trailer have effective, working brakes.

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) or quad bikes are becoming increasingly popular. It is essential that you receive professional training before you use these vehicles. From November 2023, new legislation will place an obligation on the users of work-related all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), including farmers and others on the farm who use ATVs, to undergo mandatory training and to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The main causes of incidents using ATVs are:

• an inexperienced or untrained driver
• carrying a passenger or an unbalanced load
• tipping on a bank
• driving on steep slopes
• towing excessive loads with unbraked equipment.

When operating an ATV:

• never carry a passenger
• wear a helmet and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• regularly maintain the ATV.

Safety measures when operating machinery:

• Machinery operation: make sure that the operator of the machine receives appropriate training.
• Maintenance and adjustments: ensure that all guards and safety equipment are in place and functioning properly. Make sure that all machines are properly attached to the tractor/vehicle. When attaching the machine take the correct position to avoid getting crushed. Always stop the tractor and the machine before attempting to carry out maintenance work or to free a blockage and make sure the machine is adequately supported before carrying out any work on it.
• Fixed guards: fixed guards must be kept in place.
• Power take-off guarding: When using Power Take-Off (PTO) shafts ensure that the rotating shaft is totally enclosed by the guards and make sure that the guards match the shaft both in length and size; the machine-end o-guard, and the tractor-end U-guard, are in place; the PTO shaft is greased regularly; and the tractor tyres or drawbar pins do not damage the guard.
• Lifting equipment: ensure that lifting equipment such as forklift truck, telehandler or tractor loader is regularly maintained to prevent incidents due to collapse.

Further Information:

• HSA Information on Vehicle and Machinery on Farms
• Teagasc Machinery and ATVs Safety Page
• HSA Guide to Tractor Safety and You
• HSA Farm Safety e-learning modules on Tractor Safety and Slurry Safety

Around 4 in 10 of all non-fatal farm incidents are livestock related. Bulls, and cows with new-born calves, pose a significant risk. Being crushed or gored by animals that are being herded, moved, separated, released, or loaded onto trailers present the highest risks.

When handling livestock:

• have well designed animal handling and loading facilities
• use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where necessary
• install well designed calving pens and gates
• use calving jacks
• always ensure that there is a physical barrier between you and a freshly calved cow, particularly when treating a calf.

When handling bulls:

• all bulls should be ringed when 10-months-old
• any field in which a bull is kept should be securely fenced and gates should be safely secured
• a bull at pasture should have a chain attached to the ring
• a sign warning of the presence of a bull should be displayed at access points to the field
• you are advised to slaughter an aggressive bull
• use a vehicle when herding or moving the herd
• a properly designed bull pen will allow feeding and bedding without having to enter the pen.

Further Information:

• Teagasc Livestock Safety Page
• HSA information on Livestock on Farms

Falls from a height are a major cause of incidents involving farm buildings. Of particular concern is falling through fragile roofs and from ladders.

Keep your farmyard safe with these safety measures:

• farmyards should be kept clean and tidy
• surfaces should be non-slip
• areas for parking vehicles should be level
• provide properly hung gates throughout the farm
• avoid sheeted gates as they can be blown by the wind.

Safe use of ladders

• always secure a ladder
• a ladder needs to be footed or tied off while it is being used
• place the ladder on firm, level, and secure ground
• a ladder should be placed at an angle of 75 degrees
• always keep three points of contact with the ladder
• never carry heavy loads while climbing a ladder
• extend a ladder one meter above where work is being carried out
• ladders must be in good condition.

Roof work

• on a fragile roof, use proper roofing ladders or crawling boards
• erect a suitable barrier to prevent falls when carrying out extensive work on roofs.

Stacks of bales

• ensure bales are stacked safely so that they do not fall if they settle during storage.
• always remove bales from the top
• care is needed when removing bales from stacks as falling from stacks and bales falling on farmers have caused serious injuries and fatalities.

Further Information:

• Teagasc Farmyard and Buildings Safety Page
• Farm Building (AES) Specifications

Drowning is by far the most common cause of death involving slurry. To protect against drowning:

• Open slurry tanks should be protected by an unclimbable fence or wall at least 1.8m high with locked gates.
• Covered or slatted tanks require access manholes that children cannot open. A safety grid should be fitted below the manhole lid to give secondary protection.

Gases released by the agitation of slurry can cause gas poisoning. The following precautions should be taken when agitating slurry:

• only agitate when there is good air movement
• move all livestock out of the building(s)
• make sure no person is in or near the building
• open all doors and outlets to provide a draught
• at least two people should be present and stand upwind
• never stand over slats or near tank access points when agitation is in progress
• avoid vigorous agitation in confined places
• keep everyone away from the agitation point during agitation and for at least 30 minutes after agitation
• there should be no one in the shed while the tank is being agitated and for at least 30 minutes after agitating has finished. This also applies to any building that shares a common airspace with it.
• never enter or allow others to enter the tank or any confined place without breathing apparatus
• agitation points must be placed outside the building

Further Information:

• HSA information on slurry safety

One of the most dangerous tasks carried out on the farm is tree felling and using chainsaws. Anyone who uses a chainsaw should be trained by a competent training provider. Alternatively, a competent person can be contracted to carry out the work.

When using chainsaws:

• wear safety helmets, eye protection, ear defenders, chainsaw gloves and leg protection
• always use safety boots with protective guarding and good grips
• ensure the chainsaw is properly maintained
• grip the saw properly using both hands
• keep hot exhaust away from flammable materials
• to refuel: shut off the engine, leave to cool and refuel in a well-ventilated area
• keep bystanders away from the area
• apply the chain brake when the chainsaw is not in use
• clear the work area before starting
• never cut above shoulder height.

Further Information:

• HSA advice on Working with Timber
• Code of Practice for Managing Safety and Health in Forestry Operations
• HSA advice for the Forestry Sector
• Teagasc Chainsaw Operation Information
• Teagasc Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) webpage

The principle causes of farmers’ ill health is associated with manual handling, lung problems, infections and noise. Half of farmers with occupational ill health suffer from chronic back pain. Irish farmers have a higher incidence of heart disease than other workers, and a higher risk of developing skin diseases because of exposure to damaging ultraviolet sun rays.

To maintain good physical and mental health:

• Reduce lifting: where possible avoid manual handling of loads. Use mechanical aids to reduce all manual handling.
• Assess load: size up the job and if it is too heavy get help or a mechanical method of lifting.
• Safe lifting: when lifting bend your knees not your back.
• Slips/trips: avoid slips and trips by keeping the farmyard, farm buildings and cabs of vehicles tidy. Provide adequate lighting in the farmyard and buildings. Ensure that electrical fittings are in good condition. Replace or repair any damaged or worn electrical fittings or electrical equipment.
• Wet down dust: dampen down dust with water where possible before sweeping up.
• Cover cuts: always cover cuts and abrasions with a waterproof plaster or dressing to avoid infection.
• Control vermin: put a vermin control programme in place on your farm.
• Hygiene: provide suitable washing and toilet facilities on your farm.
• Reduce noise: use earmuffs or ear plugs in noisy areas.
• Sun protection: sun protection is essential for all outdoor work in agriculture.
• Health check: visit the GP regularly to monitor your general health and physical wellbeing.
• Women who are pregnant are particularly vulnerable to risks which could harm themselves or their baby. It is wise to take additional safety measures and avoid certain high-risk situations including lifting heavy loads and contact with animals, particularly at lambing/calving which could result in infection with a zoonotic disease such as toxoplasmosis.
• Rest: Ensure that you get adequate rest, particularly during busy periods such as calving or lambing. Tiredness is a significant factor in farm incidents.
• If you are suffering from stress or anxiety, seek help through your family or GP.

Mind your mental health

Teagasc and Mental Health Ireland have published Coping with the Pressures of Farming, which is a guide for you to map out how your farm business will deal with the pressures. It provides information around wellbeing and useful coping strategies that can work at times of crises.

On Feirm Ground

The Department is co-funding, with the HSE and the Department of Health, a farmers' physical and mental health awareness programme: Engage Unit 8 On Feirm Ground. The programme is for delivery nationally to those employed as farmer advisors and those in regular contact with farmers and agricultural workers. The programme is being delivered to 800 farm advisors to increase understanding of best practice in engaging farmers with health programmes and services. The aim is to extend the delivery the programme to others who work in agriculture.

It was developed against a backdrop of poorer health outcomes and health behaviours among men; men’s underutilisation of certain health programmes and services; challenges from service providers’ perspectives in engaging men; and increasing evidence in support of more gender-sensitive or ‘men-friendly’ approaches.

Helplines available:

Samaritans - 116 123 The 24-hour helpline provides emotional support to anyone experiencing distress, despair, or suicidal thoughts.

Aware - 1800 80 48 48 The voluntary group provides support to those suffering with depression and their families.

Your Mental Health - www.yourmentalhealth.ie provides information and advice about your mental health and wellbeing, including mental health issues, coping with difficult situations and helping someone else.

Mental Health Ireland - Information line: 01 284 1166. This promotes positive mental health, supporting people with lived experience of mental health challenges in their recovery and bringing practical expression to national policy objectives.

EmbraceFARM – 085 7709966. The support network helps farm families bereaved by, or who have survived, farm incidents.

Pieta - 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444. A professional one-to-one therapeutic service for people who are in suicidal distress, those who engage in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide.

Be mindful of the physical capabilities of older farmers and vulnerable adults on the farm. Almost half of all farm fatalities involved victims aged 65 years or older. Older people are particularly vulnerable to fatal injuries involving livestock and involving falls.

The HSA Guide to Safety for Older Farmersand the HSA information for farmers over 65 have advice on how to reduce risks.

The Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes (TAMSII) provide grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holding. There are a wide range of farm safety related investments available which are grant-aided under the suite of seven TAMS measures. These are included under the Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme, Organic Capital Investment Scheme, Tillage Capital Investment Scheme and the Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme.

As part of all the TAMSII Schemes, it is mandatory to have completed a minimum of a half days farm safety course on completing the Code of Practice within the previous five years. This will also be a requirement in the next CAP Capital Investment Scheme.

Health and Safety guidelines are included in all Building Specifications, drawn up by the Department for the construction of agricultural buildings and structures. All animal housing and slurry storage facilities constructed under TAMS II include a range of health and safety related elements that create a safer working environment on farms.

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Farm Safety Training is currently being rolled out to approximately 50,000 farmers as part of the agri-environmental and farm safety training package announced in Budget 2020.

Further Information:

Machinery safety; a young farmer's perspective (farmersjournel.ie)

HSA Learning - slurry safety and tractor safety courses

The European Innovation Partnership (EIP) for farm safety funds projects that enable farmers and experts to collaborate on innovative approaches to address the farm health, safety and well-being challenges on Irish farms. The aim is to road-test new ideas and practices which can then be used more widely by farmers and others.

An EIP call for farm safety projects was issued in December 2020. Eight EIPs were approved and are now up and running. The eight projects are:

Through the Research Stimulus Fund, the Department is funding a farm safety research project called: BESAFE- Behaviours for Safer Farming: The health and safety of farmers is a significant challenge for the social sustainability of Irish agriculture.

The aim of the BeSafe project is to develop and support the adoption of these approaches thereby effecting positive lasting change. The BeSafe project is led by Dr. David Meredith (Teagasc) and involves researchers from Teagasc, NUI Galway, and UCD. The team is complimented by extension specialists from Teagasc, regulatory specialists from the Health and Safety Authority and supported by the Farm Safety Partnership. The work of the team is being overseen by an International Research Advisory Group and a Stakeholder Advisory Group.

A North South Farm Safety Group was formed in 2015 and seeks ways in which the respective authorities can work together to enhance the work currently undertaken in each jurisdiction on farm safety. The group is supporting the sharing of information and looking at the development of joint farm safety initiatives.

The Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee FSPAC is a sub-committee of the Board of the Health and safety Authority. It is made up of the following organisations:

• Health and Safety Authority
• Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
• Teagasc
• FBD Insurance
• Irish Farmers Association (IFA)
• Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association ICMSA
• Farm Relief Services Network (FRS)
• Macra na Feirme
• Professional Agricultural Contractors of Ireland (PAC Ireland)
• Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI)
• Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS)
• SIPTU

The focus of the FSPAC is to advise the Board on the direction the HSA should take in relation to farm safety. The FSPAC has set up five working groups to advise the FSPAC on specific areas for action, which are:

1. Behaviour, Education and Training

2. Health and Vulnerable Persons

3. Tractor, high risk Machinery

4. Livestock Handling

5. Buildings, Working at Heights (WAH)

A farm safety incident is reportable to the Health and Safety Authority if the injured employee or self-employed person is unable to work for more than three consecutive days excluding the day of the incident. Weekends and other days off are included when calculating days. If an employee is absent because of an incident for more than three days over a period of time, but the days are not consecutive, it is not reportable. Incidents can be reported using the HSA’s online accident and dangerous occurrence reporting system.

Farm and Rural Stress Leaflet

Health and Safety Authority

Teagasc Farm Safety Guide

Child Safety on the Farm

ESB - Staying Safe on the Farm

OECD Video: Improving farm tractor safety standards

Road Safety - Agricultural vehicle drivers FAQs about agricultural tractors (rsa.ie)

HSA Survivor Stories ad Farm Safety videos

You and your farm - safety

Watch our YouTube Farm Safety playlist:

• DAFM/HSA Farm safety advertisement
• Department/Agriland/AXA Insurance farm safety articles and videos
• Top tips for staying safe during calving season - article, editorial and video
• Top safety tips when working with slurry – article, editorial and VIDEO / Top safety tips when working with slurry