Farm safety agency needed as agriculture accounts for 40% of all workplace fatalities

Fianna Fáil Senator Paul Daly has renewed his call for the establishment of a dedicated ‘farm safety agency’ during the first ever Seanad session focused solely on farmer mental health.

Senator Daly said that the high number of fatalities combined with the growing mental health burden on farmers makes it clear that a single body with full responsibility for their safety and wellbeing is now essential.

Speaking to Minister of State for Mental Health Mary Butler and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Michael Healy Rae, Senator Daly said:

“Two fifths of all workplace deaths happen in agriculture even though only a small share of the national workforce is employed in the sector. When you combine that with the mental strain farmers are under it is obvious that we need a stronger and more coordinated response.”

Senator Daly highlighted his previously introduced legislation to establish a farm safety agency inspired by the same model as the Road Safety Authority.

“The road safety authority transformed public awareness reduced fatalities and created one clear point of accountability. We need the same clarity for farming.

“A dedicated agency would not only cover physical safety but also support farmer mental health which is every bit as important. It would bring education training regulation and wellbeing supports together instead of spreading them across different organisations.

“A farmer can be on a tractor from early morning to late at night during peak season. We all know that tiredness affects judgement and reaction time and prolonged stress does the same. Other sectors like aviation set firm limits for safety reasons. Farming has no equivalent protections.

Senator Daly said creating an agency would ensure a coordinated response to both physical safety and the mental health challenges highlighted during the Seanad debate.

“This would not be a magic wand but it would be a major step in the right direction. One organisation with full responsibility for farm safety and farmer wellbeing would finally give this issue the focus it deserves.

Concluding Senator Daly said:

“We have recognised for some time that farmers carry huge physical and emotional demands.

“The time has come to put proper structures in place. A farm safety agency would save lives and offer consistent support for the mental and physical wellbeing of the people who keep our food system going.

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