Farm Safety Week returns this month

​According to Farm Safety Foundation, farming accounts for 1% of the working population but an alarming 19% of all workplace deaths (HSE Fatal Injuries in Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing Report in GB 2024/2025).

Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) reports that falls from height remain farming’s most persistent killer.

Eight agricultural workers have lost their lives in falls from height since 2020, with two of those deaths occurring this year alone.

In response to the deaths, HSENI is carrying out a targeted farm inspection initiative this month to ensure the farming community is prioritising safety when working at height.

These proactive inspections will focus on maintenance, and repair works of farm structures and buildings as well as preparation of silage clamps and tree works.

Inspectors will assess compliance with legal requirements and provide practical guidance to improve safety standards on farms of all sizes.

HSENI’s advice to farmers working at height is simple:

- make sure you have the right equipment.

- check the equipment has been well maintained and there are no defects.

- consider if there is a better or new way to carry out the work.

- ask if the roof repairs could be carried out from below.

- placing straw bales or similar materials beneath a roof work area to provide a temporary working platform or minimise fall distance.

- considering using Collective protection measures that will keep everyone working at or near the site safe, like a working platform.

- consider engaging competent contractors for high-risk tasks.

For more information on all the issues around farm safety, visit HSENI.gov.uk or yellowwellies.org.