|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
PORTLAOISE, Ireland — Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae TD has launched a nationwide survey aimed at capturing farmer perspectives on farm safety, health, and wellbeing. The initiative was unveiled at the National Ploughing Championships 2025 and is a joint effort by Teagasc, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The survey seeks to gather evidence on occupational health challenges, safety practices, and sources of information used by farmers. Its findings will inform future policy and enhance existing support measures across Ireland’s agricultural sector.
Minister Healy-Rae emphasised the importance of listening to farmers: “This survey will help us better understand the issues that affect their daily lives and ensure our initiatives are responsive and effective.”
Dr David Meredith of Teagasc noted the survey’s role in shaping targeted, evidence-based strategies, while HSA Interim CEO Mark Cullen highlighted the urgency of improving farm safety, citing 16 work-related fatalities on farms this year.
Teagasc will lead the data analysis, with a full report expected later in 2025.
Michael-Healy-Rae-Picture-on-Wikimedia-from-Oireachtas-Open-Data-PSI-Licence.
