The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is urging older farmers to be aware of the safety risks posed by their work.

According to the HSA, the risk of having a fatal farm accident is greater for older farmers.

The HSA has compiled an information sheet highlighting the "need to recognise and respect age-related changes", through "adapting your work to work for you".

"From 2015-2024, 53% of fatal accidents on farms involved persons aged 65 or older," the HSA said.

"While the risk is greater for older farmers, it can be effectively managed.

"By understanding and acknowledging changes to health and ability, older farmers can make informed choices about how they work and reduce the risk of accidents."

There was a total of 91 fatalities from 2015 to 2024 in the over-65 age group.

According to HSA figures, vehicles (36%), livestock (26%) and falls (17%) were the biggest contributors to farm fatalities.

The HSA is urging farmers to "risk assess your farm tasks with your health and ability in focus".

"People of the same age can have very different physical and mental capabilities," the HSA said.

"Age-related changes can impact strength, endurance and flexibility, vision, hearing, balance, memory, and reaction times."

The HSA has outlined how farmers should be 'ADAPTING' their work:

Acknowledge age-related health issues and have regular health, hearing and eyesight checks;
Discuss farm systems, tasks and hazards with family and farm workers, with a focus on health, safety and ability. Seek support when you need it;
Assess need to hire competent contractors for specialised work and tasks you find particularly demanding;
Prepare for emergencies, especially when working alone, such as carrying a charged mobile phone;
Take notice of your working ability, it can change daily based on health context;
Invest in equipment and facilities which reduce the need for manual handling and keep vehicles and machinery in good working order;
Navigate ageing by adapting work practices and farming systems to reduce physical and mental demands and benefit from your experience;
Guide younger farmers when they need help. Succession planning can help manage workload and build for the future.

The HSA highlighed that the TAMS Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme provides 60% grant aid for farm safety related investments.

Examples of eligible equipment include fixed and mobile handling units for cattle and sheep and yard slights.