HSA launches farm safety campaign as 21 farmers die in falls over past decade

Farmers are being urged to take extra precautions when working at height as a new national inspection campaign gets underway highlighting one of the leading causes of serious injuries and deaths on Irish farms.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has launched a four-week countrywide inspection campaign focusing on working at height in agricultural settings, with inspectors set to visit farms across the country throughout October.

The campaign comes amid concerns over the number of fatalities linked to falls in the farming sector. 

According to the HSA, 21 farmers have lost their lives following falls from a height over the past decade, making it one of the most significant safety risks facing those working in agriculture.

October 5 marked the beginning of the initiative, which aims to raise awareness of the dangers associated with carrying out work above ground level and to encourage farmers to put appropriate safety measures in place.

Working at height remains a regular feature of farm life, particularly during busy periods when maintenance work is being carried out on sheds, farm buildings and machinery storage facilities. 

However, safety experts say many farmers continue to underestimate the risks involved.

The HSA said common hazards include falls from ladders, unprotected roof edges, fragile roof materials, such as asbestos cement sheeting, and falls from stacked bales. These incidents can often result in life-changing injuries or fatalities.

Inspectors taking part in the campaign will focus on identifying unsafe work practices and providing advice on how risks can be reduced. Particular attention will be given to roof work, ladder use and access arrangements around farm buildings.

Farmers are being reminded that work at height should only be carried out when absolutely necessary and that suitable equipment should always be used. Safety officials say ladders should never be viewed as a long-term working platform and should only be used for short-duration tasks.

The authority is also encouraging farmers to plan maintenance work carefully and, where possible, use contractors with the appropriate training and equipment to carry out more complex jobs.

Falls through fragile roof surfaces remain a significant concern. Many agricultural buildings constructed decades ago contain roofing materials that may appear safe but are incapable of supporting a person's weight.

The HSA warned that farmers should never assume a roof is safe to walk on and should always take steps to prevent falls through roof panels or skylights. Appropriate crawling boards, edge protection and fall-prevention systems should be considered before any work begins.

It highlights that many incidents occur during routine maintenance work that farmers may undertake without fully assessing the risks involved. 

Tasks such as repairing gutters, replacing roof sheets, clearing blocked drains or carrying out maintenance on sheds can often appear straightforward but may have potentially fatal consequences if proper safety procedures are now followed. 

The campaign follows continued efforts by farm safety groups to reduce workplace accidents in the agricultural sector. Farming consistently records one of the highest rates of workplace fatalities in Ireland, despite ongoing awareness campaigns and improvement initiatives.

Farmers are also being encouraged to ensure that anyone assisting with maintenance work is aware of the risks involved and has access to suitable protective equipment. The HSA says planning work and taking sufficient time to complete jobs safely can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents occurring.

Industry representatives have welcomed the inspection campaign, saying it serves as an important reminder of the dangers associated with everyday farming activities.

They note that many farm accidents occur during routine jobs carried out by experienced farmers who may have completed the same task countless times before. Familiarity with a task can sometimes lead to complacency, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

Alongside inspections, the campaign will promote practical safety advice aimed at helping farmers identify hazards before work begins. This includes carrying out risk assessments, ensuring equipment is in good working order and avoiding working alone where possible.

Farm organisations have repeatedly stressed that improving safety must remain a priority across the sector, particularly as farm owners continue to work later into life.

The HSA is encouraging farmers to take the opportunity during the campaign to review their own practices and ensure adequate safeguards are in place whenever work at height is required.

With 21 lives lost in falls from height over the past 10 years, safety officials say the message is clear. Taking time to plan a job properly, using the right equipment and recognising the dangers involved can help prevent tragedies and ensure farmers return home safely at the end of the day.