National Farm Safety Measure 2026

This measure is being introduced by the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine to incentivise the purchase and use of PTO shaft covers, which protect farmers and machinery operators from serious and fatal injuries.

Records show that, over the past decade, there were on average 18 fatal incidents on Irish farms each year, accounting for more than two in five of all workplace fatalities. In the last two years, entanglement in power take-off (PTO) shafts has resulted in two fatalities on Irish farms. In addition, Teagasc research has revealed that there are approximately 4,500 non-fatal incidents each year on Irish farms, some of which result in lifechanging injuries.

The measure will provide a financial contribution to participating farmers for a maximum of four PTO shaft covers. The grant aid will be at a rate of 60% subject to a maximum eligible cost of €100 per PTO shaft cover.

Participants must have submitted a Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application in 2026 to be eligible to apply.

Participants must submit an Expression of Interest to the Department before purchasing the eligible equipment.

The Measure will be open for Expressions of Interest from 27 May 2026 to Friday 6 November 2026.

Claims for payment must be submitted by Friday 6 November 2026.

PTO shaft covers must meet the requirements of the European Standards EN 12965:2019 and the CE mark must be clearly visible on the PTO shaft cover.

All invoices/receipts must state that the PTO shaft covers purchased meet EN 12965:2019.

Participants in the National Farm Safety Measure 2026 will receive a financial contribution up to 60% of the value of the eligible cost of PTO shaft covers purchased under the Measure up to a maximum of four PTO shaft covers. The maximum eligible cost is €100 per PTO shaft cover.

Participants (or their advisor) must complete an Expression of Interest on www.agfood.ie the Department’s online service by selecting the ‘AgSchemes-Expression of Interest’ and then ‘National Farm Safety Measure 2026’ from the dropdown list.

Further information on farm safety and the PTO shaft cover standards specified in the terms and conditions can be found at www.HSA.ie/farmsafety and

• HSA Information Note on PTO Drive Shafts and their Guards
• HSA Guidance on the Safe Use of Tractors and Machinery on Farms
• Essential Tractor Safety Checks - HSA

The Data Protection Notice below can also be viewed on the Department’s website at gov.ie - Data Protection Privacy Notices (www.gov.ie)