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HSA to launch national inspection campaign focusing on safe handling of livestock ahead of calving season

Monday 19th January 2026

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) will begin a two‑week farm safety inspection campaign today, Monday, 19th January 2026, focusing on the safe management of livestock in the lead‑up to the busy calving season. Inspectors will be visiting farms nationwide to highlight key risks and ensure farmers have appropriate controls in place when working with cattle and other livestock.

Working with livestock remains one of the most dangerous activities on Irish farms. Over the last 10 years, 177 people have lost their lives in farming related work activity in Ireland. Of these fatalities, 36 involved livestock. In 2025 there were 24 farming fatalities, four of which involved the handling of livestock.

Speaking ahead of the inspection campaign, Ger Hartnett, Senior Agriculture Inspector with the Health and Safety Authority, said:

“Livestock are unpredictable, especially during calving. Every year we see people seriously injured or killed in incidents that could have been prevented with the right planning and protective measures. Our inspectors will be focusing on whether farmers have safe systems of work in place, suitable handling facilities and adequate physical barriers to keep themselves and others safe.”

Mr Hartnett added:

“We are urging all farmers to take time now to assess their equipment and work practices before the calving season begins. Always keep a strong gate between you and the freshly calved cow, particularly when handling, treating or removing the calf. While timing is important in these situations having the right equipment to hand and planning ahead can lower risk of dangerous incidents and stress during the calving season.”

Key questions for farmers to consider when working with livestock

  • Are there safe systems of work in place when handling bulls?
  • Is the workload manageable and are any extra helpers trained and experienced?
  • Is there a plan to minimise the risk of animal attack?
  • Is there a safe physical barrier between the farmer and a freshly calved cow when tagging, treating or handling calves?
  • Are facilities adequate for loading and unloading animals?
  • Are calving boxes and other handling facilities suitable for the herd size?
  • Are vehicle operators trained and aware of movement risks in farmyards?
  • Is there adequate lighting in yards and buildings?
  • Are you using arm‑length gloves, protective clothing and suitable boots to reduce the risk of zoonotic infections during calving?

Further farm safety guidance

For more information and guidance on livestock safety and other farm hazards, visit our Agriculture page.