According to statistics published by the Health and Safety Authority, in the ten-year period 2015 -2024, the agricultural sector accounted for the highest number of fatal workplace injuries across all sectors of the Irish economy. In total, there was an average of 17 fatal incidents on Irish farms each year during this period.
While the long-term trend is positive, with the five-year average reducing over the past ten years, the number of farm fatalities remains high.
Over the past decade (2015 – 2024), farm vehicles and machinery accounted for almost half of all fatalities on farms. Entanglement in PTO shafts has resulted in fatalities and life-changing injuries on Irish farms.
According to Teagasc data, there are approximately 4,500 non-fatal incidents occur on Irish farms each year, many of which result in life changing injuries.
Farm Safety Investment Supports
The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine has opened the National Farm Safety Measure again for 2025 to provide grant aid covering 60% of the eligible cost of up to four Power Take Off (PTO) shaft covers. This measure will support farmers to replace PTO shaft covers that are defective or missing and protect machinery operators from the risk of a serious or fatal injury involving PTO-powered machinery The Farm Safety Measure is being funded from the National Exchequer. The Measure will be open until Friday 7 November 2025. For further information on the National Farm Safety Measure 2025 go to www.gov.ie/farmsafety
The TAMS 3 Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 provides 60% grant aid on animal handling, manure handling and other fixed and mobile equipment to support farmers invest in safety on their farms. There is a €90,000 investment ceiling for individuals and €160,000 investment ceiling for Registered Farm Partnerships.
The Accelerated Capital Allowances Scheme for Farm Safety Equipment was expanded in Budget 2025 to cover a broader range of farm safety investments in addition to the existing range of eligible farm safety equipment and adaptive equipment for farmers with disabilities. The additional farm safety investments are eligible for both TAMS and the accelerated capital allowances.
Read the ‘Your Guide to Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS 3)’ booklet here to find out which safety measures are supported under TAMS 3.




