National Farm Safety Measure 2024

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

Records show that, over the past decade, there were on average 19 fatal incidents on Irish farms each year, accounting for more than two in five of all workplace fatalities. In addition, Teagasc research has revealed that there are approximately 4,500 non-fatal incidents each year on Irish farms, some of which result in lifechanging injuries.

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.

Participants must have submitted a Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application in 2024 to be eligible to apply.

Participants must submit an Expression of Interest to the Department before purchasing the eligible equipment.

The Measure will be open for Expressions of Interest from the 24 July 2024 to Friday 15 November 2024.

Claims for payment must be submitted by Friday 15 November 2024.

PTO shaft covers must meet the requirements of the European Standards EN 12965:2019 and the CE mark must be clearly visible on the PTO shaft cover.

All invoices/ receipts must state that the PTO shaft covers purchased meet EN 12965:2019.

Participants in the National Farm Safety Measure 2024 will receive a financial contribution up to 60% of the value of the eligible cost of PTO shaft covers purchased under the Measure. The maximum eligible cost is €100 per PTO shaft cover.

Participants (or their advisor) must complete an Expression of Interest on www.agfood.ie the Department’s online service by selecting the ’AgSchemes-Expression of Interest’ and then ‘National Farm Safety Measure 2024’ from the dropdown list.

Further information on farm safety and the PTO shaft cover standards specified in the terms and conditions can be found at www.HSA.ie/farmsafety and Item was unpublished or removed

• HSA Information Note on PTO Drive Shafts and their Guards
• HSA Guidance on the Safe Use of Tractors and Machinery on Farms

The Data Protection Notice below can also be viewed on the Department’s website at gov.ie - Data Protection Privacy Notices (www.gov.ie)