Eight agricultural workers have lost their lives in falls from height since 2020, with two of those deaths occurring this year alone according to statistics from the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI).
In response to the deaths, HSENI is carrying out a targeted farm inspection initiative this July to ensure the farming community is prioritising safety when working at height.
“Farming continues to have one of the poorest safety records of any industry and falls from height remains as one of its most persistent killers,” explained Principal Inspector Gemma Mooney.
“Many of the incidents we see share common causes – task wasn’t planned, incorrect equipment selected or no protection measures in place.
“These deaths and life-changing accidents are preventable tragedies. So our inspectors aren’t visiting farms to catch people out – we’re there to talk through the real risks of everyday jobs and help farmers get home safely at the end of the day. We will be offering practical advice and guidance. Obviously, where serious risks are identified, enforcement action may follow,” she added.
These proactive inspections will focus on maintenance, and repair works of farm structures and buildings as well as preparation of silage clamps and tree works. Inspectors will assess compliance with legal requirements and provide practical guidance to improve safety standards on farms of all sizes.
HSENI’s advice to farmers working at height is simple:
• make sure you have the right equipment;
• check the equipment has been well maintained and there are no defects;
• consider if there is a better or new way to carry out the work;
• ask if the roof repairs could be carried out from below;
• placing straw bales or similar materials beneath a roof work area to provide a temporary working platform or minimise fall distance;
• considering using Collective protection measures that will keep everyone working at or near the site safe, like a working platform;
• consider engaging competent contractors for high-risk tasks;
“Farmers are being urged to stop, think, and assess the risks before working at height. A few extra minutes spent planning a task properly can be the difference between going home safely and a life-changing – or fatal – injury,” Gemma concluded.
For more information visit:
Working at height | Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland, controlling risk together
Falls from height | Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland, controlling risk together
