A new survey is asking farmers to share their experiences in an attempt to improve farm safety in Northern Ireland.

The survey forms part of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ (DAERA) Evidence and Innovation Research Programme.

Later this month, 8,000 randomly selected farmers will be invited by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) via letter to take part in the online survey.

The Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) hopes that this new survey will help avoid dangerous situations when farming.

Farm safety

According to AFBI, between 2014 and 2024, 40 farmers died and many more were injured across Northern Ireland, showing how farm safety remain a critical issue.

Farm-related issues remain prevalent across Northern Ireland and cause immense impact on families and farming communities.

Lead researcher Dr. Simone Angioloni said: “Every farm is different, and farmers themselves are best placed to tell us about the realities and challenges of maintaining safety in day-to-day farm work."

HSENI

According to HSENI’s Principal Agricultural, Rachel Hamill, it is vital for farmers to take part in the survey to help improve farm safety.

She said: “Farming remains one of the most dangerous industries in Northern Ireland so we need to do everything we can to prevent further deaths and serious injuries.”

Responses from the survey will help understand "attitudes; behaviours; and the practical challenges involved in managing the risks.”

“Every response matters. By taking part farmers can help contribute to making farms safer for everyone who works, lives, or visits there,” Hamill said.

Farm safety partnership

HSENI and DAERA both form part of the Farm Safety Partnership (FSP).

The FSP was established in 2012 and aims to improve safety standards on local farms and reduce workplace fatalities across the sector.

At the beginning of this year the FSP established a farm safety campaign targeted towards older farmers.

The campaign, ‘Farm Wiser to Farm Longer’ encourages farmers to recognise the risks that come when one gets older

Survey

The survey will be available from the September 21 and takes 20 minutes to complete.

Participants can also choose to enter a prize draw for a £50 eVoucher.

Further information on the survey is available on the AFBI and HSENI websites.