The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is reminding farmers to put safety first as Farm Safety Week 2025 kicks off today (Monday July 21).
The UFU said farm safety should be prioritised over deadlines, livestock, and any other farm tasks.
The union stated that despite 13 years of campaigning on farm safety, farming is still one of the most dangerous industries across the UK and Ireland.
The Farm Safety Week campaign brings over 400 farming and rural organisations together across the UK and Ireland in a bid to raise awareness and encourage farmers to work safely.
The initiative is led by the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) in the UK and by the Irish Farmers’ Association in the Republic of Ireland.
UFU
UFU deputy president John McLenaghan stated that the union is proud to support Farm Safety Week.
However, McLenaghan added: “It’s so important to stress that we need much more than just awareness – action from our farmers is critical and potentially lifesaving.
“One split second is all it takes for a farm accident to change a life forever, and tragically, many could have been prevented.”
The UFU deputy president reminded farmers to stop and think, not letting the constant pressure persuade them to cut corners or rush through tasks.
McLenaghan said: “We all know the saying: ‘Farming is more than a job, it’s a way of life’, but it should never come at the cost of a life.”
Farm Safety Foundation manager, Stephanie Berkeley, said: “Over the years, we have seen the attitudes and behaviours around farm safety changing, but the pace of change is slow.”
Berkeley said that the change is taking place too slowly for farmers struggling with their health or injuries, as well as for families who have lost loved ones in the industry.
Berkeley stated: “This year’s campaign offers an opportunity for a reset in the way we approach farm safety and risk-taking.
“Each of us can improve how we work on the farm, but we also have a responsibility not to tolerate poor safety behaviours in others.”
“We cannot rely on luck when going about our daily tasks – luck has a habit of running out.”
UFU deputy president McLenaghan added: “Whether you’re just starting out or have been farming for generations, we all have a responsibility to change the culture and improve safety on our farms.”
