The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) will begin a national farm safety inspection campaign next Monday March focusing on the safe use of tractors, machinery, quad bikes (ATVs) and other work vehicles on farms. 

Vehicle-related incidents continue to be the leading cause of work-related fatalities in the agriculture sector, according to the HSA.

The Authority is urging farmers and contractors to plan work carefully and take steps to protect themselves and others.

Senior agriculture inspector with the HSA, Ger Hartnett said: “Our priority is to remind farmers that most serious injuries and fatalities involving tractors and machinery are preventable.

Operators need to be adequately trained and competent, and essential maintenance, especially on braking, steering, hitching systems and vehicle visibility, must be carried out before work begins.”

Farm deaths

73 people died in vehicle-related incidents on farms in the last 10 years.

HSA data highlights the risks associated with tractors, loaders, trailers and quad bikes (ATVs).

The Authority is again stressing the dangers posed when children, elderly family members or bystanders are present near farm vehicles or machinery.

The inspection campaign will also place a strong emphasis on the safe use of quad bikes, reminding farmers that proper training, maintenance and helmet use are essential.

National Safety Drive

During the campaign, HSA inspectors will be checking that farmers and contractors have:

Planned work activities in advance;
Ensured all drivers and operators are trained and competent;
Checked that brakes, handbrakes and parking brakes are fully functional;
Maintained cabs, doors, steps and access points in good condition;
Clean, undamaged and properly adjusted mirrors;
Appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) for all operators;
Organised work to prevent children and vulnerable individuals from entering work areas.

Hartnett added: “Farmers can significantly reduce their risk of serious injury by taking time to plan ahead, particularly during the busy spring period.

The HSA is encouraging all farmers to familiarise themselves with best practices for tractor and machinery safety and to make use of the resources available on the HSA website.