Free farm safety training programme open for applications
Farm Relief Services is opening applications for 300 farming families to receive farm safety training.
A free farm safety training initiative offering 300 places to Irish farm workers and families has opened for applications during Farm Safety Week.
FRS Training’s Farm Family Continuing Professional Development initiative offers five free online courses covering tractor and machinery safety, chainsaw and quad-bike operations, livestock handling, slurry safety and general farm wellbeing.
The courses are available to farming families, employees, young people aged between 12 and 16, and those aged over 65.
Funded by the Department of Agriculture, the training will remain available free of charge until October 30.
The programme is being delivered by FRS Training in partnership with the Health and Safety Authority, the Irish Farmers’ Association, FBD, Teagasc and farming families.
Its launch coincides with Farm Safety Week, which this year focuses on people and the life-changing consequences of farm incidents.
Farming accounted for almost 40% of all workplace fatalities over the past decade, Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said.
“Farming has a poor safety record, accounting for almost 40% of all workplace fatalities over the past decade,” he said.
“This brings home the importance of taking all necessary steps to ensure farms are safe for everyone who comes in the gate.
“I am urging farmers to take the time to review their Farm Safety Code of Practice and carry out any necessary maintenance and repairs without delay.”
Figures from the Health and Safety Authority show that 23 people died in farm incidents during 2025, almost double the number recorded during the previous year.
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Farm vehicles and machinery remain the leading cause of fatalities on Irish farms, with time pressure, fatigue and avoidable risk-taking among the factors associated with incidents during routine work.
Minister of State with responsibility for Farm Safety Niall Collins urged farmers to conduct a walkaround check each morning before using farm vehicles and machinery.
He said simple measures such as cleaning windows and adjusting mirrors to improve visibility could help ensure vehicles were ready for the day’s work.
Farmers should also check tyres, brakes, lights, fluids and hydraulics regularly, while ensuring tractors and other machinery are serviced in accordance with manufacturers’ guidance.
“With farming remaining one of the most dangerous professions in Ireland, this effort couldn’t come at a more critical time,” added Ben Fearn, from FRS Training.
