Tractor Safety Week highlights simple steps that can save lives on farms

Friday 22nd May 2026

The Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee (FSPAC) of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), is urging farmers across the country to prioritise tractor safety during Tractor Safety Week, which takes place from Monday 25 May.

Tractors remain central to farm work but continue to be associated with serious and fatal incidents. In the last 10 years, 38 fatalities involving tractors on farms were recorded, while vehicle-related incidents remain the leading cause of work-related fatalities in the agriculture sector.

The campaign will focus on practical steps farmers can take to reduce risks and improve safety when using tractors.

Speaking on the campaign, Ciaran Roche, Chairperson of the FSPAC, said,

“We know from experience that many incidents involving tractors can be prevented. By focusing on key areas like maintenance, visibility, safe operation and fatigue, Tractor Safety Week is about giving farmers clear and practical guidance that can help keep them safe.”

He added,

“This is a collective effort across the sector, so we’re asking everyone involved in farming to support the campaign, share the messages and play their part in improving safety standards."

The campaign will emphasise the importance of keeping tractors well maintained and free from hazards, operating machinery safely at all times, being aware of blind spots and visibility risks, and avoiding operating tractors when tired.

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

“Tractors are essential to farm life, but they also present very real dangers if they’re not used and maintained safely. Too often, serious incidents happen during routine tasks that farmers have done thousands of times before. Tractor Safety Week is about reminding farmers to stop, think and take simple steps that can prevent life-changing injuries or fatalities.”

Ger added,

“Simple actions like carrying out regular maintenance, staying alert while operating machinery and being aware of blind spots can make a significant difference. We are urging farmers to take the time to review their own practices and make safety a priority every day."

Throughout the week, a range of key themes will highlight common risks associated with tractor use, including maintenance, safe operation and visibility, as well as the impact of fatigue. Particular attention will also be given to the risks faced by older farmers and young people.

A central message of Tractor Safety Week is for farmers to download and review the HSA’s Tractor Safety and You publication, which provides practical guidance on the safe use of tractors and farm machinery.

The campaign will be supported by a coordinated programme of media, social media and stakeholder activity, with farm organisations and industry partners encouraged to share the key messages and support the initiative throughout the week.

Farmers and stakeholders are invited to follow and share campaign messages using #TractorSafetyWeek.

Further information is available at Tractor Safety Week 2026.

The Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee (FSPAC) is an advisory committee to the Board of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and was established to involve key stakeholders in improving occupational safety and health in the agriculture sector. The organisations below form the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee for the period 2025- 2027.

Members of the FSPAC:

• Chairperson: Mr Ciaran Roche HSA Board Member
• Vice Chairperson: Mr John Canny Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
• Teagasc
• FBD Insurance
• Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI)
• Farm Relief Services Training Limited (FRS)
• Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA)
• Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS)
• Irish Farmers Association (IFA)
• Macra Na Feirme
• Professional Agricultural Contractors of Ireland (PAC)
• Services, Industrial, Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU)
• HSA Staff Senior Inspector, Inspector & FSPAC Secretary