Ill - Health and Safety Authority

Farm Safety Action Plan
2009 – 2012

Table of Contents
Foreword from Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02
Message from the Minister for Labour Affairs, Billy KelleherT.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 03
Review of Farm Accidents/Ill Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 03
Review of Farming Sector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06
Goals for Farm Safety Action Plan 2009 - 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06
Appendix 1 Terms of Reference of Farm Safety Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Appendix 2 Membership of Farm Safety Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Appendix 3 Working Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Appendix 4 Commitment of Organisations to Support the Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Farm Safety Action Plan 2009 – 2012 01

02
Foreword from Chairman Message from the Minister for
Labour Affairs, Billy Kelleher T.D.
The farming sector in Ireland has a poor accident
record which accounts for about 30% of workplace
deaths even though just 6% of the national workforce
is employed in the sector. Additionally, around 1800
accidents causing injury take place each year
(Teagasc, National Farm Survey).
Farm injury and occupational ill health cause tragedy,
pain and suffering, disability and economic loss
among farm families. Safety is the responsibility of
everyone living on a farm. Substantial progress has
been made in recent years in raising awareness of the
dangers in farming. However, tragically 11 people lost
their lives in the agriculture sector in 2007. It is sad to
note that after a lifetimes work so many older farmers
are involved in farming accidents. In recent years over
half of all fatal accidents in the sector involved persons
over 65 years of age.
Since its formation, the Farm Safety Partnership
Advisory Committee has made considerable progress
in reducing deaths and injuries in the agriculture
sector. The partnership approach involving all member
organisations, in support of the Health and Safety
Authority in achieving improvements in occupational
safety and health in agriculture, is a key to success.
The Farm Safety Partnership has set itself 7 goals, to
be achieved between 2009 and 2012. Full implementation
of these goals will help to further reduce the
rate of serious accidents and incidence of ill health on
Irish farms.
I ask all member organisations to give enthusiastic
and dedicated commitment to this plan. This will help
ensure that safety on farms becomes integrated into
the lifestyles of all who live and work in our rural
communities resulting in a safer and more profitable
working environment for all.
Pat Kearney, Chairman
Farm Safety Action Plan 2009 – 2012
The Farm Safety Partnership Advisory
Committee is a very important resource
in helping to achieve improvements in
occupational safety and health, in what is
a very high-risk sector. I am aware of the
huge efforts that are being made to raise
safety awareness amongst the farming
community, but the fact remains that farming is one of
the most dangerous sectors in which to work in Ireland
today. The sector, which has a safety record disproportionate
to its size, continues to have an unacceptably
high rate of death and serious injury and this is something
that this Plan has been designed to address.
Recent trends for the sector have fluctuated. 2005
and 2006 were particularly tragic years for farm
deaths but following the issue of the Farm Safety
Code of Practice and the comprehensive awareness
raising campaign to support it, there was a significant
improvement in 2007. Unfortunately, the situation for
2008 is unacceptable and very worrying. The timing
for this Plan could not be more appropriate.
This Farm Safety Action Plan sets out seven goals
to tackle the issues. The issues are clear and the
evidence to support the agreed approach is strong.
However, success will only come from the full
support of each member organisation working
together in close coordination and I am pleased to
note that all members of the Partnership have made
explicit commitments to this effect. The Plan is
ambitious, comprehensive and focuses on priority
interventions for maximum effectiveness. Successful
implementation of this Plan will positively influence
the attitudes and behaviour of those at greatest risk
in the agriculture sector and, ultimately, save lives.
Undoubtedly there are challenges ahead but through
well-considered initiatives undertaken in a partnership
approach, these challenges can be overcome to the
benefit of all. I look forward to seeing the results of
your combined efforts.
Billy Kelleher T.D.
Minister for Labour Affairs

Introduction
This Farm Safety Action Plan (2009-2012) was
developed by the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory
Committee, a sub-committee of the Board of the
Health and Safety Authority, and sets out targets in
relation to improvements required in occupational
safety and health in agriculture. It builds upon the past
achievements of the partnership and reflects the
current challenges for the industry.
All the members of the Partnership have committed
themselves to activities to support the achievement
of these targets.
The Health and Safety Authority set up the Farm
Safety Action Group (renamed Farm Safety Partnership
Advisory Committee (FSPAC)) in February 2002. The
Terms of Reference of the Farm Safety Partnership
Advisory Committee is listed in Appendix 1. Under the
original Terms of Reference, the FSPAC had ‘to
develop a national action programme, co-ordinating the
actions of the representative organisations and
assigning tasks’. As a result the FSPAC developed and
published a Farm Safety Plan for 2003-2007. A subcommittee
of the FSPAC prepared a Review of the
Farm Safety Plan in 2007/2008.
Based on that review, this Farm Safety Action Plan
was developed in 2008 to cover the period 2009-2012
and sets out:
� Specific goals in relation to further improvements
in health and safety with a “lead” organisation(s)
assigned for each goal.
� Measurable activities to achieve the goals.
Table 1: Agriculture Sector Fatality Data by Year
Year
Number employed in
Agriculture only *
Number Agriculture
fatals **
Fatality rate
Agriculture only
� Commitments of the member organisations in
supporting the Plan.
The review of the Farm Safety Plan 2003-2007
indicated considerable achievements with regard to a
reduction in the total number of farm accidents,
improved provision of training to the farming sector, an
increase in the level of Health & Safety Authority farm
inspections, increase in research, improvements is
data collection and a wide range of promotional
activities to increase awareness of the critical health
and safety issues among farmers. A review of farm
accidents, ill health and the Irish farming sector is
outlined below and following on from this the goals for
the 2009-2012 Farm Safety Plan are listed.
Review of Farm Accidents/
Ill Health
Fatal Accident Rate
The level of fatal accidents in farming remains high
despite a reduction in the overall number and rate of
workplace fatalities in recent years. Persons working
in farming (family/non-family members) suffer a high
proportion of all fatal accidents in Ireland.
The actual numbers of farm deaths reduced to an
average of 15 per annum in the 3 years (2005 -2007).
When considered as a rate per 100,000 persons
employed in agriculture the figures show that the
average fatal accident rate is 14.1 per 100,000 in the
3 years (2005 -2007) (see Table 1).
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
132200 115300 117200 113100 113400 102500 105300 105800 107900
23 16 25 13 20 12 17 17 11
17.4 13.9 21.3 11.5 17.6 11.7 16.1 16.1 10.2
* Source: CSO. Figure excludes estimated 10,000 workers in fishing, hunting and forestry
** Figure includes workers and non-workers. Figure excludes forestry fatalities.
Farm Safety Action Plan 2009 – 2012 03

04
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Figure 1: Fatal Accident Trends
Source: Teagasc
In approximately 50% of fatal farming accidents in
recent years the accident victim was aged 65 years
of age or older. The majority of these accidents were
associated with tractors/machinery, livestock and falls
from a height.
This age group shift in fatal accidents is likely to have
been influenced by the changes in the nature of
farming in recent years, with the introduction of the EU
decoupled policy and an increase in part-time farming.
There is a general downward trend in fatal accidents
involving children. However considerable effort is
Farm Safety Action Plan 2009 – 2012
Total
Children
Older Farmers
Aged 17-64
Table 2: Agriculture Fatalities Involving Workers Aged 65+
Year
All agriculture fatal accidents
Agriculture fatal accidents persons 65+
Aged 65+ as percentage of all fatal
accidents
Number employed in agriculture/fishing
aged 65+*
* Source: CSO Quarterly National Household Survey
Figure 1 illustrates the trend in fatal accidents in
agriculture in recent years.While there is a general
downward trend in the overall rate of fatal farm
accidents, there is a significant increase in the
number of fatal accidents to farmers over 65 years of
age as indicated in Table 2.
F
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
20 13 18 18 11
11 7 8 10 6
55 54 44 56 55
15200 14600 15300 15600 16800
required to reduce the level of child fatalities from the
current average of 2 child deaths per annum.
The number of fatal accidents on Irish farms declined
significantly in 2007. There were 11 farm deaths in
2007 which was an improvement on 2005 and 2006
when in each year there were 18 farm fatalities.
It should be noted however that the use of fatal farm
accident data alone is not the best approach in
measuring progress with farm safety prevention
initiatives. Fatal accident figures fluctuate
considerably from year-to-year and other measures
need to be considered.

Causes of Fatal Accidents
Figure 2 indicates that fatal accidents are associated
with the operation of tractors and machinery, working
with livestock, falls, collapse of buildings and falling
objects, drowning, electrocution and working with
timber. These form the basis for focused action going
forward.
Data in Figure 2 indicates that tractors/machinery,
livestock and falls continue to cause most of the
fatal accidents.
Non-Fatal Accidents
CSO figures indicate a general downward trend in
non-fatal accidents in agriculture. The Teagasc National
Farm Survey (NFS) provides a statistically accurate
measure of trends in non-fatal farm accidents. This
survey has been conducted at 5-yearly intervals since
1991. Teagasc National Farm Survey data indicate that
farm accident rates fell from 3,002 per 100,000 farms
(2001 Survey) to 1,731 per 100,000 farms (2006 Survey).
The 2006 Survey also indicated a continuation of
the trend of reduced machinery related accidents and
increased livestock related accidents. Figure 3 outlines
the trend in farm injuries in Ireland.
Occupational Ill Health
A National Farm Survey indicated that ill health due to
occupational causes occurs on 11% of farms. The
principal causes of ill health in farming were
associated with manual handling, lung problems,
infections and noise. Of farmers with occupational ill
health, 50% suffer from chronic back pain.
There is strong international evidence that healthy
farmers have fewer injuries at work. Stress is
associated with both high accident levels and disease
of the circulatory system.
F
Collapse of
Buildings /Falling
Objects - 5% (10)
Drowning (18)
/gas (1)
- 11% (19)
Falls - 13% (23)
Electrocution
- 4% (8)
Wood Related
- 5% (9)
Livestock Related -
14% (25)
Fire - 0.5% (1)
Figure 2: Causes of Fatal Forestry and
Agricultural Accidents, 1996-2005
(Source: Health and Safety Authority)
5000
4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Tractors /
Machinery /
Vehicles
- 48% (87)
1991 1996 2001 2005
Figure 3: Trends in Farm Injuries in Ireland
(Source: Teagasc National Farm Surveys)
Lung
problems
35%
Other 7.5%
Figure 4: Causes of Occupational Ill Health
Among Farmers
(Source: Health and Safety Authority)
T
Diseases
from animals
7.5%
Chronic back
pain 50%
Farm Safety Action Plan 2009 – 2012 05

06
Review of Farming Sector
While there are 135,300 farm holdings nationally,
approximately 110,000 farms in the country derive the
main income from farming (Dept of Agriculture and
Food, 2007). Farmers are predominantly self-employed.
Family labour is used to supplement that of the farm
operator and when family members are counted the
total number at risk is about 600,000 persons.
Significant changes have taken place on Irish farms in
recent years. An increasing number of farmers now have
off-farm employment. Average farm sizes are increasing
and the number of labour units involved in farming is
decreasing. An increasing proportion of farm income is
now coming from the Single Payment Scheme and other
Schemes (EU and national). This is particularly the case
for Drystock (beef and sheep) farmers operating in the
more marginal areas of the country.
Currently farmers are making significant investments
in new farm buildings and facilities as they avail of
grant aid to assist them comply with new legislative
requirements.
Farm Safety Action Plan 2009 – 2012
Goals for Farm Safety Action
Plan 2009 - 2012
The Farm Safety Partnership has set itself 7 goals to
be achieved between 2009 and 2012. Full implementation
of these goals will help to further reduce the
rate of serious accidents and incidence of ill health on
Irish farms.
The goals now presented for the plan are:
1) To raise national awareness of occupational safety
and health in agriculture. (Lead organisation: HSA)
2) To increase the uptake of training on farm safety
and occupational health. (Lead organisations:
Teagasc, FRS Network)
3) To achieve a reduction in the incidence of fatal
accidents to elderly farmers. (Lead organisations:
IFA, Irish Rural Link)
4) To achieve a reduction in the incidence of fatal
accidents to children. (Lead organisations: ICA,
FBD, Macra na Feirme)
5) To achieve a reduction in the incidence of
accidents involving livestock. (Lead organisations:
Teagasc, FRS Network, ICMSA)
6) To achieve a reduction in the incidence of
accidents involving tractors and machinery.
(Lead organisations: PAC Ireland, FTMTA)
7) To achieve improvements in the level of
occupational ill health among farmers.
(Lead organisations: HSA, ICA)

Action No.
Goals for Farm Safety Action Plan 2009-2012
Goal 1. To raise national awareness of occupational safety and health in agriculture
(Lead organisation: HSA)
Description Responsibility Year
1 Promote occupational safety and health in national agricultural HSA 2009 onward
media, publications, newsletters and HSA Website
2 Strengthen the HSA farm inspection and enforcement processes HSA 2009 onward
– Increase the Inspector/ Farmer contacts to 2000 per year
3 Achieve an increase in the percentage of farms in compliance HSA 2009 - 2011
with the Farm Safety Code of Practice Teagasc
60% of farmers to have a completed Risk Assessment /Safety Statement FBD
4 Organise and promote Farm Safety Week in March of each year HSA 2009 onward
FSPAC members
5 Organise and promote Farm Safety Inspection Blitzes in HSA 2009 onward
May and September of each year
6 Organise a biannual National Seminar on Occupational HSA 2009 onward
Safety and Health in Agriculture FBD
FSPAC members
7 Issue Press Releases to inform the farming public on important HSA 2009 onward
farm safety issues throughout the year FSPAC members
8 Include Farm Safety adverts in the Irish Farmers Journal every month FBD 2009 onwards
9 Benchmark Agriculture Safety and Health standards internationally HSA / Teagasc 2009 onward
Liaise with other organisations where information, knowledge and
practices can be exchanged
10 Organise Farm Safety Exhibits at the National Ploughing HSA 2009 - 2010
Championships and at one regional Agricultural Show FSPAC members
11 Develop the ‘Safe Farm’ concept based on the standards and HSA 2009 onward
requirements set out in the Farm Safety Code of Practice Teagasc
FBD
12 Investigate the provision of appropriate incentives for the farming HSA 2009 onward
sector to improve health and safety
13 All FSPAC members will have an annual plan of action for farm safety HSA/ FSPAC 2009 onward
14 Farm representative organisations will be encouraged to consider HSA 2009
the appointment of executives with key health and safety IFA
responsibilities to provide safety support to their membership ICMSA
Macra na Feirme
15 Continue Joint Prevention Initiative with Teagasc for further 3 year HSA / Teagasc 2009 - 2011
period, focusing on Code of Practice implementation
16 Address under-reporting of accidents and incidents in agriculture HSA 2009 onward
17 Sponsor and support research work in relevant areas HSA 2009 onward
Teagasc
Farm Safety Action Plan 2009 – 2012 07

08
Goals for Farm Safety Action Plan 2009-2012
Goal 1 cont’d. To raise national awareness of occupational safety and health in agriculture
(Lead organisation: HSA)
Action No.
Farm Safety Action Plan 2009 – 2012
Description Responsibility Year
18 Encourage farmers to display the ‘Farm Safety Notice’ to raise HSA 2009 onward
safety awareness on their farms FBD
19 Use existing publications and articles to promote safe work practices HSA 2009 onward
during construction work on farms FBD
Teagasc
20 Promote health and safety at farm walks and discussion groups HSA 2009 onward
nationally FSPAC
Teagasc
21 Promotion of Farm Safety at regional committee and council IFA 2009 onward
meetings of farming and rural organisations ICMSA
ICA
Irish Rural Link
Macra na Feirme
22 Develop and pilot the Farm Safety Advisory Walks and other new HSA 2009 onward
approaches to delivering safety advice and support to the farming IFA
community ICMSA
Macra na Feirme
Other FSPAC members
23 Promote safe work practices in forestry / working with timber HSA 2009 onward
FSPAC

Action No.
Goals for Farm Safety Action Plan 2009-2012
Goal 2. To increase the uptake of training on farm safety and occupational health
(Lead organisations:Teagasc, FRS Network)
Description Responsibility Year
1 Promotion and organisation of half day training courses for adult Teagasc 2009 onward
farmers on completing the Farm Safety Code of Practice HSA
2 Promotion and organisation of Tractor Driving Skills Training Course FRS Network 2009 onward
for teenagers. 500 students to receive training each year FBD
3 Inclusion of health and safety module in agricultural training courses Teagasc 2009 onward
Students completing 3rd level training will complete safety module
Teagasc vocational training courses (FETAC) will include a 25-hour
module on health and safety
4 Teagasc Advisers to receive In-Service training on Farm Safety Code Teagasc 2009 onward
of Practice and continue the role of advisers in OHS advice provision
in subsequent years
5 All REPS courses will address occupational safety and health issues Dept. Agriculture, 2009 onward
as they arise under particular REPS measures Fisheries and Food
REPS Planning
Agencies (Teagasc
and Private Planners)
6 Incorporate Health and Safety in national training programmes Macra na Feirme 2009 onward
and competitions
7 Incorporate health and safety in the school curriculum HSA 2009 onward
8 Organisation of safety training courses for farmers through IFA Skill Net IFA 2009 onward
Farm Safety Action Plan 2009 – 2012 09

10
Goals for Farm Safety Action Plan 2009-2012
Goal 3. To achieve a reduction in the incidence of fatal accidents to elderly farmers
(Lead organisations: IFA, Irish Rural Link)
Action No.
Goal 4. To achieve a reduction in the incidence of fatal accidents to children
(Lead organisations: FBD, Macra na Feirme, ICA)
Action No.
Farm Safety Action Plan 2009 – 2012
Description Responsibility Year
1 Promote safety of older farmers particularly in relation to livestock IFA 2009 - 2010
and work involving tractors/farm machinery Irish Rural Link
2 Develop guidance material / information for older farmers HSA 2009
IFA
3 Organise a tractor safety awareness initiative for older farmers IFA 2009
FRS Network
4 Modules of the Farm Safety DVD to be shown at committee IFA 2009 onward
meetings of farming organisations ICMSA
Macra na Feirme
5 Inform the elderly of the dangers on the farm through participation IFA 2009 onward
in Older Peoples Forums and meetings
Description Responsibility Year
1 Distribution of Child Safety publications to primary schools HSA 2009
FBD
2 Organisation and sponsorship of Child Safety competitions at FBD 2009 onward
Agricultural events
3 Organise visits to primary schools to inform children on farm safety IFA 2009
Macra na Feirme
ICMSA
4 Organise farm safety awareness initiatives with primary schools HSA 2009
nationally
5 Undertake Child Safety awareness campaigns prior to HSA 2009
summer holidays FBD
Macra na Feirme
IFA
6 Promote water safety which highlights drowning hazards on the farm FBD 2009 onward

Action No.
Goals for Farm Safety Action Plan 2009-2012
Description Responsibility Year
1 Publish and distribute guidance information on livestock safety HSA 2009
Teagasc
FRS Network
ICMSA
2 Promote best practice guidelines on animal handling HSA 2009- 2010
FRS Network
ICMSA
3 Develop training module for livestock handling HSA 2010
FRS Network
Teagasc
ICMSA
4 Continue to incorporate health and safety elements in Dept. Dept. Agriculture 2009 onward
Agriculture farm building specifications
Action No.
Goal 5. To achieve a reduction in the incidence of accidents involving livestock
(Lead organisations:Teagasc, FRS Network, ICMSA)
Goal 6. To achieve a reduction in the incidence of accidents involving tractors and machinery
(Lead organisations: PAC Ireland, FTMTA)
Description Responsibility Year
1 Organise safety training for tractor / machine operators FTMTA 2009 onward
PAC Ireland
2 Ensure that all farm machines are sold with the necessary safety FTMTA 2009 onward
guards in place
3 Develop and support a system for the testing and certification of FTMTA 2009
tractors and powered equipment used on farms PAC Ireland
HSA
Farm Safety Action Plan 2009 – 2012 11

12
Goals for Farm Safety Action Plan 2009-2012
Goal 7. To achieve improvements in the level of occupational ill health among farmers
(Lead organisations: HSA, ICA)
Action No.
Farm Safety Action Plan 2009 – 2012
Description Responsibility Year
1 Improve data collection on occupational ill health in agriculture HSA 2009
2 Organise media campaign to highlight occupational health HSA 2009 onward
in agriculture ICA
Teagasc
3 Support research projects in area of occupational ill health HSA 2009 onward
4 Organisation of ‘Health Checks’ for IFA members IFA 2009 onward

� To identify and prioritise the key issues related to
improving safety on Irish farms.
� To identify the actions necessary to deal with
these issues.
� To establish working groups/sub-committees to
assist in the achievement of the agreed goals.
� To set agreed targets for :
Appendix 1: Terms of Reference of Farm Safety Partnership
1. A reduction in injuries.
2. An improvement in compliance in the sector.
3. To develop a national action programme,
co-ordinating the actions of the representative
organisations and assigning tasks.
4. To publicise, effect and monitor the programme.
5. To carry out appropriate research and liaise with
relevant agriculture organisations.
6. To report regularly and formally at least annually
to the Board of the Authority.
Farm Safety Action Plan 2009 – 2012 13

14
Appendix 2: Membership of Farm Safety Partnership
Pat Kearney, HSA Board Member (Chairman)
Pat Griffin, HSA
Mary Sherry, Irish Farmers Association (IFA)
John O’Donnell, Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers
Association (ICMSA)
John McNamara, Teagasc
Anthony Morahan, HSA
Ciaran Roche, FBD Insurance
Jim Dockery, FRS Network
Michael Larkin, Macra na Feirme
Michael Moroney, Farm Tractor & Machinery Traders
Association Ltd (FTMTA)
Tom Murphy, Professional Agricultural Contractors of
Ireland (PAC Ireland)
Oliver McEvoy, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Food
Jenny Kiely, ICA
Vincent Nally, Irish Rural Link
Biddy O’Neill, Health Service Executive
Maura Kavanagh, HSA (Secretary)
Farm Safety Action Plan 2009 – 2012

Goal 1: Raise Awareness of Occupational Safety
and Health
Health and Safety Authority (Lead)
Teagasc
FBD
Dept. Agriculture
IFA
ICMSA
ICA
Irish Rural Link
Goal 2: Training on Farm Safety and Occupational
Health
Teagasc (Lead)
FRS Network(Lead)
Health and Safety Authority
FBD
Dept. Agriculture
Macra na Feirme
IFA
Goal 3: Reduction in Fatal Accidents to Elderly
IFA (Lead)
Irish Rural Link (Lead)
Health and Safety Authority
FRS Network
ICMSA
Appendix 3: Working Groups
Goal 4: Reduction in Fatal Accidents to Children
FBD (Lead)
Macra na Feirme (Lead)
ICA (Lead)
Health and Safety Authority
IFA
Goal 5: Reduction in Accidents involving Livestock
Teagasc (Lead)
FRS Network (Lead)
ICMSA (Lead)
Health and Safety Authority
Goal 6: Reduction in Accidents involving Tractors
& Machinery
FTMTA (Lead)
PAC Ireland (Lead)
Health and Safety Authority
Goal 7: Improvements in Occupational Ill Health
among farmers
Health and Safety Authority (Lead)
ICA (Lead)
Teagasc
Farm Safety Action Plan 2009 – 2012 15

16
Appendix 4: Commitment of Organisations to Support the Farm Safety Action Plan 2009-2012
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Food (DAFF)
� The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
fully supports the initiative being undertaken by
the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the
Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee in
the implementation of their Farm Safety Action
Plan 2009-2012.
� The DAFF website to include a link to the ‘Farm
Safety Section’ of the Health and Safety
Authorities website.
� DAFF will ensure that Rural Environment
Protection Scheme (REPS) training courses will
address farm safety issues as they arise under
particular REPS Measures.
� DAFF will incorporate appropriate health and
safety aspects in DAFF farm building specifications
when they are being drafted/revised.
� DAFF will support farm safety week/month and
will issue a press statement on a relevant topic to
highlight the need for health and safety awareness
in agriculture. DAFF will also investigate the
possibility of issuing a ‘text alert’ on health and
safety to farmers registered to receive text
messages with DAFF.
FBD
FBD recognise that too many people are killed and
seriously injured in farm accidents every year and that
an improvement in the attitude and behaviour of
farmers towards health and safety is of paramount
importance if we are to see a significant reduction in
farm accidents. FBD are committed to achieving the
goals outlined in the Farm Safety Plan.
FBD will continue to encourage and promote Safe
Farming Practices at all times.
FBD will sponsor the biannual “National Seminar on
Occupational Safety and Health in Agriculture”.
FBD and the Farm Safety Partnership (FSP) have
developed a “Farm Safety Sign”. To launch the “Farm
Safety Sign” FBD will be distributing 5000 free signs
Farm Safety Action Plan 2009 – 2012
through our local office network. FBD and the FSP
will encourage all farmers to display the farm safety
sign at the entrance to their farm as it will help
improve safety awareness on the farm and save lives.
FBD will continue to promote “Build in Safety – An
Advisory Booklet for Farmers” and the “Building on
Success” DVD.
FBD will also continue to promote the FSP “Farm
Safe” DVD.
FBD will continue to put half page coloured farm safety
ads in the Farmers Journal every month. Each month
the ad will focus on hazards associated with farm
practices during that month of the year. (The FSP will
be allowed to highlight safety concerns in this space.)
FBD will continue to play their part in making the
Safety Village at the National Ploughing
Championships a success.
FBD and the Irish Water Safety Council will continue
to promote the water safety leaflet for children which
highlights drowning hazards on the farm.
FBD will continue to display new farm safety posters
in FBD local office windows.
FBD will continue to distribute new farm safety
brochures.
FBD will continue to sponsor the insurance for the
FRS Tractor Driving Skills Training Course.
FBD will continue to promote and encourage farmers
to complete the Safety Statement or comply with the
“Code of Practice for Preventing Injury and
Occupational Ill Health in Agriculture”.
FBD will continue to research and analyse the main
causes and types of farm accidents that occur on Irish
farms.
FBD will continue to promote health and safety by
using;
Radio
National and Local Newspapers (60+) / Magazines /
Books
Videos
Seminars / Meetings

Farm Walks
Visiting Farmers
Visiting Schools
Sponsoring Competitions
Internet
Working with other Organisations
FBD are committed to developing, supporting and
promoting new health and safety initiatives.
FRS Network
� We will continue to promote and deliver the “Safe
Tractor Driving Skills” programme to teenagers
through all secondary schools throughout the
country. Our target is to train 500 students
annually on this programme.
� We will provide a Safety Statement service to any
farmer/contractor with more than 3 employees
who wishes to have one completed.
� We will continue to promote health & safety
through our network of offices by sending regular
safety messages and advice notes through our
monthly mail shots to all our farmers/contractors
on our client data base of approx 60,000.
� FRS Training will continue to provide Safety
Training in areas such as Chainsaw Safety,
Livestock Safety, Manual Handling, Tractor Safety,
Quad Bike Safety, Farm Teleporter and Loading
Shovel as well as General Safety on the “Use of
PPE”, Noise & Vibration and Working at Height.
FTMTA Commitment
Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade
Association (FTMTA)
FTMTA will encourage all of its members and their
employees who are involved in the sale, service and
repair of farm machinery to provide the following
guidelines for dealing with their customers:
� To provide operational and safety training for all
new machinery and equipment supplied to
farmers and contractors.
� To ensure that all farm machines are sold with the
necessary safety guards in place.
Appendix 4: Cont’d
� To ensure that repair works are completed so that
the necessary safety guards are refitted so that
adequate safety systems are always put in place.
� To ensure that customers are made aware and
requested to repair any dangerous features of
machines that are presented for repair.
FTMTA will provide farm machinery safety posters to
all member firms for public display during the Farm
Safety Month of April each year. This is supported by
a farm safety public relations programme for the
month of April each year.
The FTMTA Certificate of Membership will include a
statement on supplying safe machines. Members will
be encouraged to continue their risk assessment
programmes in their own businesses and carry out
occupational safety training programmes.
FTMTA, through FTMTA Skillnet, will provide training
for people employed in the farm machinery industry
in Tractor Skills through a special industry led course
developed by the FTMTA.
The FTMTA has an active Safety Committee, which
will, where possible, support farm safety initiatives
being organised by other farming-related organisations.
Health and Safety Authority
� Continuation of Joint Initiative with Teagasc to
achieve an increase in the percentage of farms in
compliance with the Farm Safety Code of Practice.
� Support and promotion of training courses
provided by Teagasc for adult farmers on
completing the Farm Safety Code of Practice.
� Provision of financial support for Tractor Driving
Skills training for teenagers.
� Proactive inspection of farms nationally. Inspectors
will look for an increase in the level of adoption of
the Farm Safety Code of Practice.
� Inspectors of the Authority will issue Improvement
and Prohibition Notices on serious breaches of
health and safety legislation.
� Investigation of accidents and complaints in
agriculture sector.
Farm Safety Action Plan 2009 – 2012 17

18
Appendix 4: Cont’d
� Media briefings and press releases to all national
/local newspapers and journals on farm safety
issues.
� Coordination of Farm Safety Awareness and
Inspection Campaigns.
� Health & Safety Authority Inspectors will address
seminars, farm walks and discussion groups
organised by farming groups.
� Support / sponsorship of National Seminars on
Occupational Health and Safety in Agriculture.
� Organisation of the Farm Safety Village at the
National Ploughing Championships in conjunction
with the FSPAC members.
� Provision of exhibits, information and advice at
regional agricultural shows/events.
� Organisation of meetings with HSE (NI)
Agricultural Inspectorate.
� Ongoing support and coordination of farm safety
research projects.
� Update the Authority’s website with information
on farm safety.
� Ensure that the key farm safety messages are in
the public domain.
� Benchmarking of agriculture safety and health
standards internationally.
ICA
The Irish Countrywomens Association is fully
committed to supporting the Farm Safety Action Plan
2009-2012 to help prevent fatal farm accidents and
promote healthy lifestyle in the farming community.
ICMSA
� ICMSA will establish a link on its website to the
Health and Safety Authority's website.
� Appropriate documentation relating to health and
safety will be provided on the ICMSA website if
available from the HSA.
Farm Safety Action Plan 2009 – 2012
� ICMSA Development Officers will be provided
with the Agriculture Code of Practice, Risk
Assessment Document and Safety System of
Work Plan and will be available to farmers to help
them complete their documentation.
� ICMSA Rural Development Committee will
continue to raise awareness of farm safety.
� ICMSA will continue to be involved on the Farm
Safety Partnership Committee.
� Farm Safety will be an agenda item at ICMSA Area
Meetings held in the autumn of each year.
� ICMSA will issue three statements on farm safety
every year. The statements will go to both the
national and regional press. Two will be aimed at
specific times of the year to address specific
issues, such as accidents caused by machinery
during the silage making season and accidents
caused by livestock during calving season, etc.
A more general statement will be issued after the
results on farm accidents for the year are issued.
� ICMSA would be prepared to highlight a specific
health and safety issue through a publicity campaign
if funding was available.
� ICMSA will continue to push for the re-opening of
the Farm Improvement Scheme which would
grant aid farmers to modernise farm structures
and thus improve farm safety.
Irish Farmers’ Association
IFA has always highlighted the importance of health
and safety as good farm practice and will continue to
do so as follows:
� Private Health Check available to all IFA members
at reduced rate.
� Farm safety issues will continue to be highlighted
at County Executive, Executive Council, Farm
Family & Environment meetings.
� Text messages re safety on the farm will be sent
to all members at appropriate times and press
statements issued.

� Members will be requested to use local radio to
promote the safety message at every opportunity.
� Safety training to be organised through IFA
Skills Net.
� IFA will continue to ensure that members make a
conscious effort to put safety on agendas of
appropriate meetings in an effort to raise
awareness and to reduce the unacceptable level of
deaths on Irish farms.
� Encourage voluntary members to inform the elderly
of the dangers on the farm through participation in
Older Peoples’ Forums, meetings, etc.
� IFA will provide a Safety Officer for the
Association’s Farm Walks.
� Each IFA Branch to appoint an officer to promote
safety at local level to support the Farm Safety
Advisory Walks Project.
Irish Rural Link
Irish Rural Link (IRL) will work in every way we can to
assist the FSPAC in its endeavors. IRL will provide a
link on our web site to relevant information concerning
farm safety and the objective of minimising farm
deaths and accidents. Provision for inclusion of related
material and details of forthcoming farm safety events
in our newsletter which goes out quarterly to all
members, will be made available. Hand outs and
FSPAC literature will be made available at our regional
seminars and events in the future. Through my
representation as a member of FSPAC I hope to
contribute significantly to the process and look
forward to working with the other members to deal
with the urgent problem of farm deaths and injuries.
Macra Na Feirme
Macra will create awareness by promoting the
importance of operating a safe farm to our members.
We will encourage our members to participate in farm
safety events being run by the other organisations
participating in the group.
Appendix 4: Cont’d
Newsletters will feature timely reminders of relevant
health and safety issues.
We will maintain the highest degree of safety at all of
our competitions and will build a safety element into
all stages of the competition.
The Ag / Hort Student Council will be used to
disperse safety information and encourage
participation by students in farm safety programmes.
Safety is now more than ever an integral part of the
Farm Skills competition; with it allocated a majority of
the marks and there is a special safety prize also.
There has been a safety display held before the
National Semi finals and final last year and this will be
continued into the future.
It is also allocated 10% of marks in the Young Farmer
of the Year Competition.
Macra is constantly emphasising safe practices in all
its events and competitions through its training
programmes.
Many Macra clubs undertake to do first aid courses.
Macra will issue seasonal warnings, especially when
school holidays are underway.
Macra will promote the importance of Social Contact,
and will highlight conditions such as stress.
Macra will work with key industry stakeholders to
improve and promote health and safety, by means of
supporting the need for first aid training on farms, and
the placing of first aid kits in strategic places.
Professional Agricultural Contractors
of Ireland
The agricultural contractors association will continue
to make the promotion of health and safety in the
agricultural sector a priority.
PAC will work with and support the Farm Safety
Partnership Advisory Committee to help promote the
dangers facing those working in our industry and
focus on ways to prevent illness and accidents and
reduce fatalities to zero.
Farm Safety Action Plan 2009 – 2012 19

20
Appendix 4: Cont’d
PAC will launch an updated website in the coming
months. It will provide links to the Health and Safety
Authority website and to the sites of all other
members of the FSPAC.
PAC Ireland will have a page dedicated to health and
safety on its newly updated website.
PAC will include a health and safety item on the
agenda of all PAC meetings.
PAC will include a health and safety message on all
communications with its members.
PAC Ireland has retained the services of a health and
safety professional to answer health and safety
queries from its members and to assist with the
completion of risk assessments and safety
statements.
Members of PAC will be encouraged to attend safety
seminars and events hosted by the Health and Safety
Authority and other stakeholders.
PAC members will continue to provide assistance in
the form of staffing and provision of machinery at
Teagasc Events and at the Ploughing Championships
Safety Village.
Over the winter/spring period PAC Ireland will
organise a series of workshop tours and tool box
talks, with a strong emphasis on safety issues.
Teagasc
Teagasc will support the achievement of targets in
the National Safety and Occupational Health Plan
(2008- 2012) through its statutory role in providing
training and education, advisory and research services
to the agriculture sector.
Teagasc has agreed to continue its Joint Prevention
Initiative with the Health and Safety Authority for a
further three-year period commencing on July 1st 2008.
Farm Safety Action Plan 2009 – 2012
The Teagasc commitment will include:
� Two full-time staff are assigned to lead Teagasc
programmes in the health and safety area
(including internal compliance within Teagasc).
� Teagasc trainees participating in Teagasc
vocational training courses (FETAC) will complete
a comprehensive 25-hour accredited module on
Occupational Safety, Health and Welfare. Students
completing 3rd level training will complete OHSW
training based on curricula approved by HETAC.
� An annual target for delivery of half - day training
courses for adult farmers on completing the Farm
Safety and Health Code of Practice will be
included in the Teagasc Business Plan.
� Teagasc Advisers have received In-Service training
on the Farm Safety and Health Code of Practice in
2008 and will integrate provision of advice in this
area into routine advisory work on an on-going basis.
� All REPS courses will include an Occupational
Health and Safety module as specified by the
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
� Teagasc will conduct research in the areas of
implementation of occupational safety and health
measures/ completion of the Code of Practice by
farmers and occupational health (Teagasc – H.S.A.
Walsh Fellowship). In conjunction with these
studies national survey(s) in relation to farm injury
levels and occupational health issues in
conjunction with the Teagasc National Farm Survey.
� Teagasc will promote occupational safety and
health through the farming media, in Teagasc
publications and at Teagasc events.
� Teagasc will participate fully in the work of the
Farm Safety Partnership and co-operate with other
organisations/groups in various health and safety
initiatives.