Farm safely this summer
Fatalities from work related incidents in Ireland rose from 36 in 2024 to 58 in 2025, with agriculture being the most dangerous sector. The Health and Safety Authority report that the agriculture sector, with 23 deaths, continues to account for the highest number of fatalities. Martina Donnelly gives practical advice on staying safe on farm during the busy summer months.
Keeping children safe
The summer is one of the busiest times on Irish farms with many essential activities taking place. Children are on holidays from school and may be out and about on farms. With this in mind it is important that we all remain vigilant while working on the farm over the summer months. Statistics from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) show that over 90% of farm fatalities involving children had a farm vehicle or machine involved. Make sure that children have adult supervision at all times when out on the farm. Even stationary tractors, farm vehicles and machinery pose a high risk due to sharp edges, moving machinery parts and the possibilities of falls. Having a safe play area away from machinery can help reduce risks at one of the busiest times on farms.
Risks during hay and silage harvesting
The hay and silage making season is one of the big events of the summer and safety should be to the fore during this time. While the days are longer, we often only have a short window in which to get hay and silage made. This can put extra pressure on farmers and contractors, and fatigue can be a big risk. It is important to engage with your contractor and proactively work with them in relation to planning work on your farm. Contractors are very aware of the impact of long working hours on driver’s and their ability to manage machines safely. Take time to prepare for their arrival; tidying yards, keeping hedges trimmed at gateways and ensuring there are no animals in sheds during slurry agitation can make your farm safer for your contractor.
Safe handling and storage of bales
A significant proportion of silage is now made as bales and the HSA report that at least 5% of farm workplace deaths are as a result of falling bales. When working with bales, ensure that the driver is aware of the ground conditions such as slopes and is aware of any overhead power lines. If on the road transporting bales drivers must ensure that they have a clear view ahead. Inappropriate use of front loaders can dramatically reduce visibility and stability. It is recommended to have two or more spikes in a bale to prevent rotation or loosening of the bale during transport. When travelling on the road without a bale the bale spikes should be removed, covered or folded back so as not to pose a risk to road users. Accidents with bales can also occur when they are inappropriately stacked. The HSA state the maximum height of for stacking silage bales should be 3 bales high. Where the bales are not very dense the maximum height of two bales is advised.
Where stacking is necessary, stack bakes on their curved sides. Stacking of round bales on their ends is not recommended as bales may lean sideways if they settle during storage. Bales can be placed on their ends in a single layer on the ground provided the ground is level.
Working safely with livestock
Make safety the priority when dealing with livestock over the summer. All animals can be unpredictable so regardless of how ‘quiet’ an animal may seem, care needs to be taken at all times. It is important that time is taken to think before each animal handling task. Plan the task and carry out necessary preparatory work to avoid dangerous situations arising. Planning and preparation will help to better manage animal behaviour, secure handling equipment and avoid high-risk activity. Always cull dangerous animals. Plan an escape route from fields and pens and keep a physical barrier between you and the cow during calving/dehorning.
Funding farm safety improvements
The Targeted Agricultural Modernisation schemes (TAMS III) grants offer 60% grant aid for certain safety equipment through the Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme, (FSCIS).
The closing date for the current tranche of TAMS has been extended to 19 June.
This scheme can help farmers invest in items such as cattle handling facilities, safety gates, lighting and other improvements around the yard that can make every day safer and easier. Grant aid under the scheme will be paid at a rate of 60% up to a maximum of €90,000. Talk to your advisor about the possibilities for your farm under this scheme.
Investments supported under the scheme
Calving pen
Bull pen
Unroofed fixed cattle crushes/races
Unroofed enclosures
Mobile sheep handling equipment
Fixed sheep handling equipment
Electronic tag readers
Mobile cattle handling unit
Head scoop
Leg hoist lifter
Cattle weighing scales
Protective fence around existing tank
Safety agitation platform for existing external tanks
New tank cover over existing open tank
Replacement tank extension cover
Replacement of damaged slats or removal of existing internal
agitation point and replacement by gang slats
Tank extension to provide external agitation point
Circulation pipe (6″) to allow for agitation of slurry
Simple aeration systems
Calving gate in existing house
Replacement of a hinged door/sheeted gate with a new sliding
door/roller door on agricultural buildings
Safety rails on silo wall
Retrofitting roof-light with safety cages
Wiring/rewiring existing agricultural building
Yard lights (LED equivalent to min 200W halogen
Calf dehorning crate
Horse handling facilities
Wheel changing equipment
Hydraulic motor to substitute PTO shaft
Livestock monitors
Bale slice