THE Health and Safety Authority (HSA) began a two weeks farm safety inspection campaign this week, focusing on the safe management of livestock in the lead-up to the busy calving season.
Inspectors will be visiting farms to highlight key risks and ensure farmers have appropriate controls in place when working with cattle and other livestock.
Working with livestock remains one of the most dangerous activities on Irish farms.
Over the last 10 years, 177 people have lost their lives in farming related work activity in Ireland.
Of these fatalities, 36 involved livestock.
In 2025 there were 24 farming fatalities, four of which involved the handling of livestock.
Following the launch of the campaign, Ger Hartnett, Senior Agriculture Inspector with the Health and Safety Authority, said: “Livestock are unpredictable, especially during calving.
“Every year we see people seriously injured or killed in incidents that could have been prevented with the right planning and protective measures.
“Our inspectors will be focusing on whether farmers have safe systems of work in place, suitable handling facilities and adequate physical barriers to keep themselves and others safe.”
Mr Hartnett urged all farmers to take time now to assess their equipment and work practices before the calving season begins.
“Always keep a strong gate between you and the freshly calved cow, particularly when handling, treating or removing the calf,” he said.
“While timing is important in these situations having the right equipment to hand and planning ahead can lower risk of dangerous incidents and stress during the calving season.”
