IFA Farm Family & Social Affairs Chair Teresa Roche is encouraging farmers across the country to prioritise machinery safety as part of Tractor Safety Week, a national campaign organised by the HSA Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers associated with tractors and farm machinery and to promote practical safety measures that can help prevent serious and fatal accidents on farms.
IFA is reminding farmers of several key safety measures, including:
- Carrying out regular maintenance and safety checks on tractors and machinery
- Ensuring PTO guards, brakes, lights, and mirrors are in proper working order
- Never carrying passengers on tractors or machinery
- Wearing seatbelts where fitted
- Avoiding distractions and fatigue while operating machinery
- Taking extra care around children, elderly persons, and livestock
- Ensuring all operators are properly trained and competent to use machinery safely
The campaign also places a strong focus on road safety, particularly during busy farming periods when there is increased movement of agricultural vehicles on public roads.
“Tractors and machinery are essential on every farm, but they also present serious dangers if safety precautions are not followed. Tractor Safety Week is an important reminder for all farmers to slow down, carry out safety checks, and ensure that safe practices are being followed at all times,” Teresa Roche said.
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.
IFA is encouraging all farmers and contractors to engage with the campaign throughout the week and to continue making farm safety a priority.
