HSA Opens Public Consultation on New Farm Safety Code of Practice and Risk Assessment Documents

Monday 6th July 2026

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is inviting farmers, agricultural organisations, representative bodies, safety professionals and members of the public to provide feedback on two important draft documents aimed at strengthening health and safety standards across the agricultural sector.

The public consultation relates to:

• Farm Safety Code of Practice Risk Assessment Document For Farms with Three or Less Employees
• Code of Practice for Preventing Injury and Occupational Ill Health in Agriculture For Farms with Three or Less Employees

The two draft documents have been developed to support improved safety management on farms and to provide practical guidance to farmers in identifying, assessing and managing workplace risks. The consultation process will allow stakeholders to contribute their expertise and experience to help ensure the final documents are practical, effective and responsive to the needs of the sector.

Farming accounted for almost 40% of all workplace fatalities in Ireland last year, with 25 of the 63 fatal incidents occurring on farms. The HSA is committed to working with farmers and industry stakeholders to reduce fatalities, serious injuries and work-related ill health.

Ger Hartnett, Senior Agriculture Inspector with the HSA, said,

“The insights and experiences of those working in the agricultural sector are invaluable. Through this consultation, we want to hear from farmers, representative organisations, advisors, contractors and others with an interest in farm safety. Their feedback will help ensure these documents provide practical guidance that supports safer and healthier working environments across Irish agriculture.”

The 2005 Act allows employers (including most farmers) with three or less employees to comply with the terms of a Code of Practice as an alternative to preparing a written Safety Statement.

The HSA encourages all interested parties to review the draft documents and submit their observations and recommendations during the consultation period.

How to Participate:

The draft documents can be accessed at: HSA Public Consultations Draft Documents

Submissions can be made via: HSA Public Consultations Submissions

Consultation closing date: 31st July 2026

Feedback received will be carefully considered before the documents are finalised and published.