Make farming a safe bet

It may appear heartless to say but very often this painful situation could be avoided.

Over the years, tractors and trailers have remained to the fore as the main causes of fatalities and serious injuries. Brakes not functioning, handbrakes not applied before getting off the tractor, not having full visibility when reversing, stopping on an incline where the tractor slides forwards or backwards, are among the many incidents recorded. Regular vehicle maintenance is not optional, it is essential.

Lonely work

In the five years from 2020 to 2024 there were 72 fatalities. The accompanying chart clearly shows the areas where people working in agriculture need to be extra careful. Farming is a lonely job; in most occupations work is carried out with another worker or with regular interaction with others. Most farmers spend a considerable amount of the working day alone with time to dwell on all their worries, whether financial, prices, pressure of work, family and health. The long working day leaves little time to switch off before the next day starts.

Stress and a heavy workload bring with it the temptation to cut corners, to save what may be perceived as valuable time. In reality it takes no more than a few minutes during the day to assess the consequences of your actions: applying the handbrake; dismounting the tractor properly and not jumping down from the cab; cleaning mirrors; taking extra care around animals, especially newly calved cows; paying attention to your safety when carrying out maintenance on buildings particularly when using ladders and carrying out roof repairs. 

Now, I know this might be a case of stating the obvious but unfortunately not following the obvious is the cause of these fatalities, particularly in farmers over 65 who are shown to be the most vulnerable.

171 farm fatalities

PAC Ireland is a member of the Farm Safety Partnership Committee, which is an advisory committee to the board of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). It comprises the main farming organisations and they have drawn up a four-year strategy to reduce farm fatalities and serious injuries and to identify mental health and wellbeing issues that need to be addressed. This strategy will be highlighted in the media over the coming months, however, no matter how hard they work or amount of time this committee gives, it will be to no avail unless every farmer takes the time each day to give thought to where they might be vulnerable and to seek help if necessary and to recognise that as we get older we are not as agile as we used to be. Finally, and most importantly, farmers must reject the idea that because you have been doing this all your life, you’ll be ok.

Everyone is vulnerable. Over the last five years, 71 farmers have lost their lives, with many more seriously injured, and over the last 10 years, a staggering 171 farmers have lost their lives. My wish for 2025 is for all farmers and those who work on farms to arrive home safely – every day!