Farm Safety for Older Farmers

Why Older Farmers Are at Greater Risk

According to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), between 2015 and 2024, 171 people lost their lives in farm accidents. Of these, 91 (53%) were aged 65 or older, and a further 34 (20%) were between 55 and 65 years of age.

Most fatal accidents among farmers aged 65 and over were linked to:

• Vehicles (36%)
• Livestock (24%)
• Falls (17%)
• Falling objects or loads (8%)
• Drowning (8%)

As we get older, we also tend to recover more slowly from injuries. Even minor incidents can have more serious consequences, making injury prevention all the more important.

Understanding Age-Related Risk Factors

Age affects everyone differently. While many farmers remain fit and capable well beyond retirement age, it’s essential to be realistic about the natural changes that come with ageing. Recognising these changes is not a weakness, rather it’s a wise and proactive approach to staying safe.

Here are some common age-related factors to be aware of:

• Strength: Muscle mass and strength naturally decline with age, which may increase the risk of strains, sprains, or falls. It is important not to compensate for decreased strength by adopting unsafe work practises or taking shortcuts.
• Mobility: Reduced mobility can limit your ability to react quickly in dangerous situations, such as moving out of the path of an oncoming vehicle or animal.
• Vision: Sight can deteriorate gradually, especially in low light or at distance. This can pose risks when working at dusk, in dimly lit sheds, or when reading controls or warning signs.
• Hearing: Hearing loss is common with age and can be worsened by long-term exposure to loud farm machinery/equipment or confirmed animals. This may make it harder to detect danger signals.
• Health conditions: Chronic illnesses like arthritis, high blood pressure, or diabetes can affect reaction times or stamina. Some medications may also cause drowsiness or reduce concentration.

Practical Safety Tips for Older Farmers

Remaining active on the farm is not only possible but beneficial, provided you take the right precautions. Here are key steps older farmers should consider:

Risk Assessment: Before beginning any task, particularly those involving machinery, livestock, or heights, ask yourself:

• Can I do this job safely?
• Do I need help?
• Should I hire a specialist (e.g. for work at height or building repairs)?
• Do I have the right equipment?

Machinery & Vehicles: Keep all machinery and vehicles well-maintained. Avoid using unsafe equipment.

Livestock Handling: Invest in safe, well-designed handling facilities such as calving gates.

Farm System Review: Consider adapting your farming system to reduce physical strain. For example, switching from calving to dry stock farming can help reduce risks associated with handling cows at calving time.

Stay Connected: Let someone know where you are going when you are on the farm and carry a fully charged mobile phone.

Health Monitoring

• Schedule regular check-ups with your GP
• Get your hearing tested annually
• Have your eyes examined at least every two years

Ageing does not mean stepping away from farming altogether. Far from it—older farmers continue to play an essential role, not only in farm work but also in guiding and educating younger generations with the skills required and about the importance of farm safety.

The key is adapting to change and recognising that a lifetime of experience is most valuable when paired with a willingness to modify practices to stay safe.

Take time to assess your own safety on the farm. Talk with family, make practical changes where needed, and never hesitate to seek help or advice.

A Shared Responsibility

FBD continues to work closely with the Health and Safety Authority and the wider farming community to promote safer farming practices. Safety on farms is everyone’s responsibility; from farmers themselves to family members, neighbours, and the organisations that support them. Together, we can help ensure that experience and wisdom remain active on Irish farms for many years to come.