Danger on farms ‘normalised’ on many Irish farms

There is an “acceptance of the way things are”.

The “pain and suffering” a farmer may experience if they survive a work accident can be “severe and long-lasting and have a large effect on them as a person".

Danger has become “normalised” on farms in Ireland meaning that, for many, “accidents are to be expected, that they will happen”, according to a Teagasc senior research officer.

From hazardous working conditions to a “culture of risk-taking” and a poor understanding of safety culture determinants among key people, there are many challenges in relation to health, safety, and wellbeing, Teagasc’s David Meredith said.