How dangerous is farming in Ireland?

From handling animals to operating machinery, farming today is a risky business. Of the 26 work-related fatalities recorded by the Health and Safety Authority (HSE) in Ireland in 2022, over half were within the farming sector. Despite a reduction in the total number of work-related deaths, farming fatalities were up compared to the previous year. Combine this with a startling 20 farming fatalities in 2019 and the picture is stark.

Farming is the most dangerous occupation in the country, one where farmers are seven times more likely to die from a work-related incident than any other profession.

For the many family run farms operating across Ireland, figures such as these make for uncomfortable reading. Not least because farms are also a dangerous environment for children and tragically, over the past decade, 21 children have died on Irish farms. As farming and agriculture is a popular industry in Ireland, many of us have sadly been impacted by a death or serious injury in our community. 

Why is farming so risky?

Practically everything a farmer does is dangerous. Whether operating vehicles, working at heights, or handling animals, almost every task carries risks. Add to this the fact that farm operators often work alone and in bad weather conditions and it’s clear the potential for mishaps is high.

Unsurprisingly, that means there are also plenty of accidents on Irish farms with data from the Teagasc National Farm Survey revealing that there were 4,523 incidents in 2021. According to the findings, over 88% of injuries involved the farm operator, with a further 11% relating to family members.

Working with livestock can be unpredictable and this is borne out by the figures. Over half of all farm accidents involved animals, while a further one third related to trips and falls and 13% involved farm vehicles and machinery.

Factor in the finding that almost half of all accidents required hospitalisation and it’s clear that the safety situation is serious. Many of these incidents were the kind of ‘near miss’ that could easily have added to the fatality figures above.
 

Changing attitudes in farming – why mental health matters

So, why is it often accepted that farming is dangerous? In part, risk is perceived as integral to farming culture. Farmers also face an overwhelming workload, so taking time to re-examine safety measures can seem like an inconvenience or a threat to profitability.

Ultimately, however, accepting this level of risk simply adds to the stress of an exceptionally demanding job. As Teagasc Research Officer, David Meredith, points out, farmers face unprecedented pressure including financial and regulatory constraints, societal expectations around climate change, and a scarcity of family time.

Little wonder then that poor mental health is also a major concern. In a recent study funded by the HSE’s National Office for Suicide Prevention, almost a quarter (23.4%) of Irish farmers were found to be at risk of taking their own life.

With anxiety and depression at a notable high, resources such as the IFA’s guide to dealing with stress are vital, as is the Encircle Programme, set up by Embrace Farm to support families dealing with loss, either through suspected suicide or a sudden farming-related accident.

For the Teagasc, changing attitudes in farming is a key step towards addressing this situation. By changing the culture around farm safety and farmer wellbeing, it hopes to make farms safer places to live and work, securing social sustainability for the agricultural sector and thereby ensuring profitable food production for many years to come.

Creating a safer farming industry

Everyone operating a farm has a legal duty to identify potential hazards and minimize risks to ensure the safety of their employees, according to the Health, Safety and Welfare of Work Act. 

For large farms, this means farm operators must prepare a safety statement, however farmers with three, or fewer, employees can instead follow the Farm Safety Code of Practice. This guide identifies several of the most common risks, explaining how to reduce dangers and prevent occupational hazards in agriculture.

Vehicles and machines

Tractors, quads and vehicles continue to be a leading cause of death on Irish farms, with a total of 34 vehicle-related fatalities in the five year period from 2018 to 2022. Those at risk include people operating the vehicle and those in the vicinity, with accidents ranging from being crushed and vehicles overturning, to being struck or falling from the vehicle.

To reduce the likelihood of incidents, driver competence and awareness is essential. Ensure those operating telehandlers, lift trucks and ATVs have been trained by a qualified instructor and passed all relevant practical tests. Wear appropriate protective equipment and allow passengers to travel in or on the vehicle only if they are on a passenger seat. 

Finally, ensure regular maintenance for all vehicles to check brakes, controls, and any specialist equipment such as chains, slings, hooks and guards.

Animals and Livestock

According to Teagasc figures, 52% of accidents involved livestock. That makes animals an important risk factor, particularly when being moved, separated, or released. In extreme cases, livestock can cause fatalities if farmers are crushed or gored.

Appropriate handling is key to reducing the risk of livestock incidents. Animals should be restrained where necessary and crush equipment should be fitted with a self-locking front gate, a yoke, rump rail and a bar able to safely constrain animals whatever their size.

Stock bulls are of particular concern and should be handled using a ring and chain, as well as aids such as poles and halters. Just as importantly, ensure any workers handling animals are in good health and have the physical ability to work with livestock.

Falls from height and falling objects

A further significant cause of farm deaths is falling from a height, or accidents caused by the collapse of farm buildings, including falling through fragile roofs or from ladders. 

Collapsing walls or earthen drains also cause many deaths as workers can drown in slurry or suffer from gas poisoning due to the toxic fumes contained therein. Figures from 2022 reveal 4 deaths resulting from a fall and 1 from slurry drowning.

Taking precautions when accessing heights such as hay or straw stacks can help to reduce these dangers, as well as watching out for insecure loads at heights which could fall and kill. Avoid doing roof work and instead use a competent contractor with the knowledge, skills, equipment and experience to work safely at height on buildings.

Lastly, ensure that slurry and water tanks are securely fenced. Maintain ventilation when mixing or pumping slurry and never stand over slurry mixing points, reception pits or slats, even outdoors.

Developing social sustainability in farming

As an industry populated by experienced, older farmers, there is often a reluctance to change behaviours in the Irish farming community. There’s an acceptance that farming is a risky business and accidents are to be expected, however, with deaths to older farmers (over 65) making up almost half of all fatalities, it’s time for change.

And slowly but surely, a safety culture is emerging in Irish farming. As Teagasc researcher, David Meredith pointed out, “it's not the majority by any means, but it is developing, and this is really important if we're going to change how we communicate safety, and how we make farming a safer occupation into the future".

By working together to share experiences, to recognise those near misses, and minimise risks for everyone on the farm, farmers can create a safer, more socially sustainable industry. As a nation of family run farms, that’s something all farmers should welcome for their children, their family – and even for themselves. 
 

Author: 
Stacey Piggott, Senior Digital Marketing Manager for AMCS Group.  
AMCS Group is a global leading technology partner for waste (resources), recycling, transport, and utilities companies. Our mission is to drive sustainability in resource intensive industries through automation and digital transformation to realize an economically viable net-zero carbon future. Our HQ is in Limerick, Ireland and we are the proud main sponsor of the Limerick Show. AMCS works closely with our clients across Europe to automate the operation of facilities to convert food waste to re-generative soil nutrients across including Lindum in Finland and Valor Composting (Ortessa).