New action plan to target high level of farm deaths and injuries unveiled

Wednesday 2nd July

• Over the last 10 years, 38% of all workplace fatal incidents occurred in farming
• While farming represents approximately 11% of the working population, it frequently accounts for up to half of all work-related fatalities

The Farm Safety Partnership (FSPAC), an advisory committee to the Health and Safety Authority, has today (Wednesday 2nd July) launched the latest Farm Safety Action Plan 2025-2027, aimed at significantly reducing fatalities, injuries and occupational health issues in Ireland’s agricultural sector.

Over the past decade, farming has accounted for approximately 38% of all workplace fatalities in Ireland, despite representing just 11% of the working population. This new action plan sets ambitious goals to tackle persistent safety challenges in the sector while fostering a culture of safety and wellbeing among farmers and agricultural workers.

Launching the plan at the Teagasc Moorepark open day in Fermoy, Co. Cork, Michael Healy-Rae TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, said,

“Farming is the backbone of our rural economy, but too many lives have been lost in incidents on Irish farms. The implementation of this new Farm Safety Action Plan is an essential step towards ensuring that every farmer - young or old - can return home safely at the end of each day’s work”.

The Minister added,

“I’m calling on all farmers to think safety first and not to be complacent when it comes to putting simple measures in place which can minimise the risk of an incident. I am fully committed to supporting this ambitious plan and to building a culture of safety across the agricultural sector. My Department continues to work with stakeholders across the sector in developing and implementing initiatives which support the efforts of the Farm Safety Partnership to improve the safety and health of the farming community.”

Mark Cullen, Interim HSA Chief Executive Officer, underscored the collaborative approach of the action plan, saying,

"Reducing serious farm incidents and fatalities is a shared responsibility. This plan brings together farmers, policymakers, industry experts, and educators to create safer farms for future generations. Together, we can build a culture of safety that protects lives and livelihoods.”

Ciaran Roche, Chairperson of the FSPAC, highlighted the plan's importance, and said,

"Irish farmers have made good progress in improving safety awareness and adopting safety measures, but there is much more to do. With a new focus on cultural and behavioural change, practical skills training, and targeted initiatives for vulnerable groups, this action plan charts a path toward healthier, safer farming communities.”

Key elements of the Farm Safety Action Plan 2025–2027 include:

• Promote cultural and behavioural changes to improve farm safety and health.
• Protect vulnerable groups, including children, older farmers, and migrant workers.
• Reduce deaths and injuries caused by high-hazard activities such as vehicle operation, livestock handling, and working at heights.

The FSPAC has established five dedicated working groups to address the following key risk areas:

• Behaviour, Education, and Training
• Vulnerable Persons and Health
• Vehicles and High-Risk Machinery
• Livestock Handling
• Farm Buildings, Construction, and Work at Height

The new action plan also includes innovative measures such as virtual reality training, enhanced education for children and young farmers, and practical supports for older farmers, who remain the most vulnerable demographic.

A copy of the Farm Safety Action Plan 2025 – 2027 can be downloaded here.