Minister Heydon urges farmers to prioritise safety around tractors and machinery
- Published on: 26 May 2026
- Last updated on: 26 May 2026
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, has added his support to Tractor Safety Week which takes place this week 25 May – 29 May 2026.
This collaborative campaign run by the Health and Safety Authority’s Farm Safety Partnership encourages everyone to consider the risks associated with operating tractors and machinery. Tractors and machinery account for almost half of all fatal incidents on farms. This campaign will highlight the small changes we can make to minimise risks of an incident.
Welcoming the campaign, Minister Heydon said:
“I would like to congratulate the Health and Safety Authority’s Farm Safety Partnership and all the various stakeholder organisations for coming together this week to promote tractor safety. It is important that everyone involved in farming is reminded of the importance of keeping tractor safety to the fore as they go about their work.”
There has been an average of almost 18 fatal incidents per year on Irish farms over the last ten years. In the same ten-year period, eight children have died in farm incidents, all involving farm vehicles. Tragically, there were 25 fatal incidents on farms last year, double the number in the previous year with three confirmed fatal farm incidents this year. There are approximately 4,500 non-fatal incidents each year on Irish farms, some of which result in life-changing injuries.
Urging farmers to prioritise their safety, Minister Heydon said:
“We must accept that there is no justification for taking chances when it comes to farm safety, particularly with tractors and machinery as the consequences can be tragic. Poor safety practices on farms must become socially unacceptable.”
Stressing the importance of tractor safety, the Minster added:
“It is vital that tractors and machinery are checked each morning before work begins. Taking five minutes to carry out basic simple checks is time well spent. By identifying and addressing any wear and tear or damage, a farmer could prevent a serious incident. I would encourage all farmers and tractor operators to take the time to watch the Farm Safety Partnership’s tractor safety video which provides details on the essential tractor safety checks.”
Minister Heydon emphasised his Department’s commitment in supporting farmers to invest in their safety. Encouraging farmers to avail of these supports, the Minister said:
"I am asking farmers to consider supports available under Department schemes for investment in equipment which will help make their work environment safer. Under TAMS 3, 60% grant aid is available for equipment such as silage bale slicers and wheel changing equipment while Accelerated Capital Allowances are available for equipment such as big bag lifters and quick hitch mechanisms.”
For more information go to: www.gov.ie/farmsafety.
ENDS