The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) is launching a targeted farm inspection initiative this July following a series of fatal falls from height across the agricultural sector.
According to HSENI statistics, eight agricultural workers have died in falls from height since 2020, with two of those fatalities occurring this year alone.
Inspections to focus on high-risk work
The July inspection programme will focus on maintenance and repair work on farm buildings and structures, preparation of silage clamps and tree work.
Inspectors will assess compliance with legal requirements while providing practical guidance to help improve safety standards on farms of all sizes. Where serious risks are identified, enforcement action may be taken.
Falls remain a major farm hazard
HSENI said farming continues to have one of the poorest safety records of any industry, with falls from height remaining one of its most persistent causes of death.
Principal Inspector Gemma Mooney, said: “Farming continues to have one of the poorest safety records of any industry and falls from height remains as one of its most persistent killers.
“Many of the incidents we see share common causes – task wasn’t planned, incorrect equipment selected or no protection measures in place.
“These deaths and life-changing accidents are preventable tragedies. So our inspectors aren’t visiting farms to catch people out – we’re there to talk through the real risks of everyday jobs and help farmers get home safely at the end of the day.
“We will be offering practical advice and guidance. Obviously, where serious risks are identified, enforcement action may follow.”
Practical safety advice
HSENI is urging farmers to carefully plan all work at height and ensure the correct equipment is used and properly maintained.
The regulator also advises considering alternative methods of carrying out work, including completing roof repairs from below where possible, using straw bales or similar materials to reduce fall distances, and installing collective protection measures such as working platforms.
For higher-risk tasks, farmers are encouraged to engage competent contractors to carry out the work safely.
