Prioritising farm safety: a shared responsibility

Farming continues to be one of the most rewarding — and yet most dangerous — occupations in Ireland. With over 300,000 people working in the agri sector, farm safety must remain top of the agenda for every family and farm business.

Each year, multiple fatal accidents are recorded on Irish farms, with machinery and livestock being the leading causes. These tragedies are often preventable, making safety not just a compliance issue, but a human one.

Small changes, big difference

Many serious incidents happen during everyday tasks — not just high-risk jobs. That’s why regular reviews and small updates can make a big impact.

Here are some critical safety steps every farm should take:
Cover and secure slurry pits and ensure signage is in place — gases can build up quickly and silently.
Install proper lighting in yards, sheds, and around machinery to reduce slips, trips, and collisions.
Use PTO guards and safety shields on all machinery and check them regularly.
Maintain livestock handling facilities to prevent crush injuries — especially during calving or dosing.
Keep children away from work zones, and ensure play areas are well away from machinery or livestock.
Slow down around the yard, especially when reversing or using loaders.
Ensure farm vehicles are roadworthy, with working brakes, lights, and mirrors.
Store chemicals and vet meds safely in locked, clearly labelled cabinets.
Wear high-vis clothing, helmets, and suitable footwear when working outdoors.

Additional safety priorities:

Keep a well-stocked first aid kit on the farm — and don’t forget to add aspirin, as most standard kits don’t include it. This small addition could be life-saving while awaiting emergency medical attention in the event of a heart attack.

Clearly display Eircodes at strategic locations such as the farmyard, entrances to fields, and inside machinery. Large farms may have multiple Eircodes, make sure everyone knows the right

Know and display the first signs of a stroke — early recognition saves lives.

Install a galvanised pipe beneath polycarbonate roofing panels. While the panels may give way, the pipe can help stop or slow a fall, acting as a last line of defense during roof inspections or repairs.

A reminder from Brendan Lawlor, ifac chair:

“It is important to not just do what is required — take the small extra steps, it could save a life.”

Involve the whole family

Farms are often family-run, so it's crucial to make safety a shared focus. Talk about risks openly, involve everyone in basic first-aid training, and clearly assign responsibility for safety checks.

Plan ahead

A quick walk-through of your yard can identify simple fixes that might prevent serious injury. Update your farm safety statement annually, and check eligibility for TAMS grants to fund improvements like fencing, crush barriers, and animal handling systems.

Ifac’s commitment

At Ifac, we support farmers in building safe, successful, and sustainable businesses. From advisory to finance, we’re here to help you future-proof your farm — and that starts with protecting the people who make it work.

As summer gets busy, take time to put safety first. One small change could save a life.