Research published today (Monday, 4 March) by Teagasc shows that being crushed or struck by farm machinery causes 80% of vehicle-related farm deaths.
The research also showed that there were 16 fatal farm accidents last year, this was up by 13 from 2022.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) found that the most common type of vehicle incident was striking people on foot. There were 39 work-related fatalities of which 42% were in agriculture.
23 of these incidents involved a vehicle rolling out of control and another six were caused by a reversing vehicle hitting a person on foot.
A major factor in the risk of being struck by a farm vehicle is the speed of the tractor. The higher the speed of the tractor, the greater the risk of someone getting hit.
Teagasc described how having a good farmyard design would allow for adequate space for turning which can reduce the accidents/fatalities caused on the farmyard.
Agricultural contractor from Cohen, Co. Tipperary, Thomas Moloney said:
“Designing a farmyard to have wide turning circles and clear views makes tractor operation less hazardous. Fitting cameras on the front or rear of vehicles can help reduce the danger associated with visibility issues.”
Teagasc also highlighted how most of the work on a farm takes place early in the morning or late at night where vision may be impaired due to lack of light; this requires the farmer to have sufficient lighting in place.
Tips to prevent farm accidents
At this time of year, there is usually an increase in the amount of agricultural vehicles using the road.
Drivers are advised to always be on the lookout for farm machinery exiting fields and farm yards.
Meath Crime Prevention has asked in its recent social media post to remain patient when travelling behind a tractor or other slow moving vehicle, and urged road users not to be tempted to overtake in a dangerous manner.
The garda Facebook page also insisted that farmers themselves need to be safety conscious and that if the traffic is building up, when it is safe to do so, keep left in order to allow others to pass safely.
Gardaí also said that drivers of any vehicle are once again being reminded to never use a mobile phone while driving farm machinery on public roads.
Drivers of agricultural vehicles are also reminded of the following:
- Wash down the wheels of the tractor/machinery regularly to avoid carrying mud and stones onto the public road;
- Be particularly careful when transporting material such as silage, slurry, sand and gravel so that it does not spill on the road and pose a risk to other road users;
- Do not overload trailers in a manner that would cause them to be unstable on the road;
- Look out for low bridges, overhanging trees, overhead cables and uneven road surfaces which could cause the load to shift and possibly overturn;
- The driving mirror must always provide an adequate view of the road and all agricultural vehicles must have proper working brakes on both tractor and trailer units;
- All agricultural vehicles must be fitted with lights, reflectors and indicators;
- Large farming vehicles should consider using an escort vehicle to warn other road users and ensure that tractors are driven at an appropriate speed for the road conditions;
- Never let an inexperienced driver use machinery;
- Ensure that equipment/machinery has been serviced properly and is in good working order;
- Be careful when using equipment which may not have used for some time.
Meath Crime Prevention also highlighted safety concerns when using chainsaws and to always take “particular care”.
Children and visitors should always be accompanied by the farmer when out on the farm.