Accidents and fatalities on farms are a persistent concern for the Irish farming community These dangers are often amplified in regions like Northwest Connemara, where the isolated nature of farms and rugged terrain can significantly delay access to emergency services. To address this, the now complete FORUM Connemara Farm Health and Safety EIP developed an innovative and practical framework to improve on-farm safety, centred around a Results-Based Payment Scheme (RBPS).
The RBPS was designed to actively engage farmers in improving their own farm safety through financial incentives and tailored support. A total of 45 farmers participated in the scheme, which concluded in 2023. The core innovation of the scheme was a payment rewarding farmers €650 for completing four safety modules from a choice of thirteen. At the outset of the project, a phone survey of approximately 100 local farmers identified 13 key areas of concern regarding on-farm health and safety, which were subsequently developed into training modules for the results-based payment scheme.
The project aimed to improve communication and share information, training, and knowledge among farming families to enhance farm health and safety. Two of the modules were mandatory, and farmers then chose an additional 2 modules to complete from the list of 13. The modules included:
- Risk Assessment (Mandatory)
- The production of a farm-specific Safety Improvement Plan (Mandatory)
- First Aid (including specific first aid which covers lone workers on hillside/forestry terrain)
- Farm Health & Safety – financial information for Farming family
- Animal Handling / Quad bike roll bar demo
- Mental health
- Quad Bike Training
- Tractor Safety
- Abrasive Wheels
- Chainsaw training
- Pesticide sprayer
- Manual Handling
- Fencing
Modules were delivered in-person by an external professional as an interactive workshop, talk, or on-farm exercise. Each training session had a focus on socialisation with time incorporated for a group lunch or tea and coffee to encourage farmer-to-farmer interaction.
This project provides a framework that can be adapted for other regions in Ireland facing similar farm safety challenges. The high number of farm accidents and fatalities is a national issue. The scheme’s focus on practical training addresses a recognised need for continuous professional development for farmers, which is often overlooked, in essential skills related to machinery, livestock, and first aid.
Farmers should take a similar proactive approach to their own farm’s health and safety. This includes conducting thorough risk assessments, creating a safety improvement plan, and seeking out relevant training to address identified hazards. Engaging in such training programmes can lead to a safer working environment and better health outcomes on Irish farms.
For more information on this farm safety results-based payment scheme framework, please contact Leo McGrane on leo@erinn.eu
