Farm safety campaign for older farmers launched in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland's "Farm Wiser to Farm Longer" campaign, running until the end of November, urges older farmers to recognise the risks on their farms. Between 2014 and 2026, 46 older farmers died in farm-related accidents there.
A new farm safety campaign aimed at older farmers has been launched in Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom. Called "Farm Wiser to Farm Longer", it urges farmers to recognise the risks on their holdings and take practical steps to protect themselves. Between 2014 and 2026, 46 older farmers died in farm-related accidents in Northern Ireland.
The campaign is led by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Farm Safety Partnership. DAERA is funding it. It will run until the end of November, with television, radio and social media advertising, as well as a presence at livestock marts.
Three key areas
The adverts encourage older farmers to adapt how they work so they can protect themselves and keep farming for longer. The focus is on three areas: farm vehicles and machinery, working with livestock, and working at heights.
Comments from the minister and HSENI
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said experience and knowledge are invaluable on the farm, but the physical demands of the work can become harder with age. In his words, tasks done routinely for decades can carry greater risk as balance, strength and reaction times change. A serious injury can have consequences not only for the individual but also for their family and the future of the farm.
Bryan Monson, deputy chief executive of HSENI, said farming is a way of life for many older farmers, but it is also physically demanding and unpredictable. Familiarity with everyday tasks can sometimes lead to risks being underestimated. He urged farmers to pause before dangerous tasks and ask themselves whether they are putting themselves at risk and what they could change to make the job safer.
