21 July 2026
Connecting safety, health and wellbeing
Machinery, livestock and vehicles are well-recognised farm hazards. However, research is increasingly showing that a farmer’s health can also affect how safely these hazards are managed. Diana van Doorn, Research Officer in Farm Safety, Health and Wellbeing, explains that health and safety should not be viewed as separate issues
Medical conditions can increase risk of a farm injury
International research has shown that conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, hearing loss, lack of sleep and medication use can increase the risk of farm injury. These health issues can affect balance, concentration, reaction time, situational awareness, stamina and decision-making, all of which are important for working safely around livestock, machinery and vehicles
Irish farmers are exposed to many of these health conditions. Research involving Teagasc showed that 74% of male livestock farmers have four or more cardiovascular risk factors, 56% report musculoskeletal disorders, 50% report significant sleep problems, and 24% report burnout
Health and safety are closely linked
A recent Teagasc, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Health and Safety Authority survey found that farmers reporting moderate or major stress were around six times more likely to report a serious impact from farm injury than farmers reporting no or minor stress. They were also more likely to report impacts from hearing, eye, breathing and joint problems affecting their work ability. While these findings show an association rather than cause and effect, they highlight how health, wellbeing and safety challenges often happen together.
The effects can extend well beyond the injury itself. Time away from work, reduced work capacity and delays to farm tasks can put pressure on the whole farm business. Family members often take on additional responsibilities, while extra costs and lost working time can affect both farm productivity and income
The video below discusses the importance of managing farm safety and health:
Tips to maintain good health
Practical steps farmers can take to support their health and reduce safety risks include:
- attending regular health checks
- protecting hearing and respiratory health
- managing workload where possible
- prioritising sleep and recovery
- staying physically active
- wearing appropriate personal protective equipment
- seeking support early for physical or mental health concerns
Throughout Farm Safety Week, Teagasc will explore the actions we can all take to create safer and healthier farms
Download: Sowing Seeds of Support: Positive Mental Health Guidance for the Farming Community
Follow Farm Safety Week on Teagasc Daily and follow the hashtag #FarmSafetyWeek on social media throughout the week as we share research, practical advice and insights to help create safer, healthier and more sustainable farms
