FRS Co-op is offering free farm safety training to 300 families this year as part of an ongoing initiative designed to improve safety and wellbeing on Irish farms.
Supported by funding from the Department of Agriculture, the farm safety training initiative will provide a sustainable training-led approach to foster farm safety and wellbeing within each generation of the family.
The farm family continuous professional development (CPD) programme run comprises five online courses that are designed to change attitudes and behaviours around farm safety to reduce the level of on-farm fatal and non-fatal incidents.
The free training courses will commence in August this year and all interested families can sign up online.
Head of operations at FRS Training Ben Fearn said: “Figures from the Health and Safety Authority show that older people are at the greatest risk on Irish farms, with those over 65 years of age accounting for over half (56%) of all fatal farm accidents since 2020.
“We’ve developed the farm family CPD training courses to cater for all age groups, with a specific course for those over the age of 65.”
Safety
The initiative was developed in partnership with the Health and Safety Authority, Irish Farmers’ Association, FBD, Teagasc and a number of Irish farm families.
Since 2014, 38% of all workplace fatal accidents occurred on farms, while research by Teagasc estimates that approximately 4,500 accidents occur on Irish farms each year. Of these, almost half of accidents put the victim out of work for at least four days.
A nationwide survey of farm workers carried out earlier this year by FRS Co-op found that less than half of operators were interested in taking farm safety courses, despite working with heavy machinery, chainsaws and livestock every day.
A nationwide survey of farm workers carried out earlier this year by FRS Co-op found that less than half of operators were interested in taking farm safety courses despite working with heavy machinery, chainsaws and livestock every day.
“As part of Farm Safety Week 2025, it’s important we continue to increase the focus on farm safety and wellbeing,” added Fearn.
“Farms remain the most dangerous workplaces in Ireland today, with 171 fatal accidents recorded on farms in the last decade.”
Training
The survey found over 90% of farm operators worked with tractors on farms, while 80% reported using a chainsaw as part of their work.
Over 60% operated slurry equipment on their respective farms, while over one third reported regularly using teleporters and quad bikes.
“To dramatically reduce the number of fatal and serious accidents happening on Irish farms, we need to change the mindset to understand that there is no such thing as a safe farm.
“Only a safe and responsible approach taken by those working on farms can eliminate where possible and reduce the risks associated with farming.”
Read more
Map: which county received most farm safety scheme money last year?
Farmers urged to prioritise safety as Farm Safety Week kicks off
FRS Co-op is offering free farm safety training to 300 families this year as part of an ongoing initiative designed to improve safety and wellbeing on Irish farms.
Supported by funding from the Department of Agriculture, the farm safety training initiative will provide a sustainable training-led approach to foster farm safety and wellbeing within each generation of the family.
The farm family continuous professional development (CPD) programme run comprises five online courses that are designed to change attitudes and behaviours around farm safety to reduce the level of on-farm fatal and non-fatal incidents.
The free training courses will commence in August this year and all interested families can sign up online.
Head of operations at FRS Training Ben Fearn said: “Figures from the Health and Safety Authority show that older people are at the greatest risk on Irish farms, with those over 65 years of age accounting for over half (56%) of all fatal farm accidents since 2020.
“We’ve developed the farm family CPD training courses to cater for all age groups, with a specific course for those over the age of 65.”
Safety
The initiative was developed in partnership with the Health and Safety Authority, Irish Farmers’ Association, FBD, Teagasc and a number of Irish farm families.
Since 2014, 38% of all workplace fatal accidents occurred on farms, while research by Teagasc estimates that approximately 4,500 accidents occur on Irish farms each year. Of these, almost half of accidents put the victim out of work for at least four days.
A nationwide survey of farm workers carried out earlier this year by FRS Co-op found that less than half of operators were interested in taking farm safety courses, despite working with heavy machinery, chainsaws and livestock every day.
A nationwide survey of farm workers carried out earlier this year by FRS Co-op found that less than half of operators were interested in taking farm safety courses despite working with heavy machinery, chainsaws and livestock every day.
“As part of Farm Safety Week 2025, it’s important we continue to increase the focus on farm safety and wellbeing,” added Fearn.
“Farms remain the most dangerous workplaces in Ireland today, with 171 fatal accidents recorded on farms in the last decade.”
Training
The survey found over 90% of farm operators worked with tractors on farms, while 80% reported using a chainsaw as part of their work.
Over 60% operated slurry equipment on their respective farms, while over one third reported regularly using teleporters and quad bikes.
“To dramatically reduce the number of fatal and serious accidents happening on Irish farms, we need to change the mindset to understand that there is no such thing as a safe farm.
“Only a safe and responsible approach taken by those working on farms can eliminate where possible and reduce the risks associated with farming.”
Read more
Map: which county received most farm safety scheme money last year?
Farmers urged to prioritise safety as Farm Safety Week kicks off
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