National Farm Safety Measure reopens for applications
Over the past decade (2014–2023), farm vehicles and machinery accounted for over half of all fatalities on farms.
The National Farm Safety Measure has reopened for applications.
The measure will provide a financial contribution to participating farmers covering 60% of the eligible cost of PTO shaft covers.
Over the past decade (2014–2023), farm vehicles and machinery accounted for over half of all fatalities on farms.
Entanglement in PTO shafts has caused fatalities and life-changing injuries on Irish farms.
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 places a legal obligation on farmers to ensure that plant and machinery are safe and without risk to health.
Launching the National Farm Safety Measure, Minister of State Martin Heydon said: "I am reopening the measure to help protect farmers and everyone involved in operating PTO-powered equipment from serious and fatal injuries.
"This measure will support farmers in the purchase of new PTO shaft covers.
"As part of Farm Safety Week, I am urging farmers to review their farm safety risk assessment and identify any hazards on the farm, including defective or damaged PTO shaft covers.
"There are unique hazards attached to farming, but by identifying and putting steps in place to mitigate them, we can reduce the risks on farms.”
Applications can be made online up to November 1, 2024.
The maximum amount of aid under the measure is for four PTO shaft covers.
The grant aid will be at a rate of 60% subject to a maximum eligible cost of €100 per PTO shaft cover. Farmers who applied for grant aid under the National Farm Safety Measure 2023 are also eligible for this measure.
