Labour supports SIPTU calls for safe pass system for farmers
- Workplace deaths must be reduced further
Labour TD for Cork North Central, Eoghan Kenny, has called for the urgent introduction of a safe pass system for farmers, supporting recent calls from SIPTU to address safety concerns in the agricultural sector. Deputy Kenny’s call follows the publication of the latest Health and Safety Authority (HSA) statistics, which reported 33 work-related deaths in 2024, down from 43 in 2023.
Deputy Kenny said:
“While I welcome the decrease in work-related deaths in 2024, every single death in the workplace is a tragedy. The loss of life has a profound and long-lasting impact on families, friends, and communities. It is not enough to simply note these figures.
“Agriculture remains one of the most dangerous industries in Ireland. Teagasc has highlighted that over 4,500 accidents occur on farms every year, and the HSA reported 20 deaths in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors in 2023. Alongside construction, these industries consistently account for the highest levels of workplace injuries and fatalities.
“I strongly support SIPTU in advocating for a safe pass system for farmers. We know that construction workers are legally required to complete a safe pass course before entering a site. It is only right that farmers and agricultural workers have access to similar safety training to build confidence and ensure their safety while working. Dangerous scenarios on farms, from handling heavy machinery to working with livestock, demand that extra measures are put in place.
“No worker should feel unsure or unsafe in their workplace. It is vital for workers and farmers across the country that we continue to make work safer and to reduce injury and death at work as much as possible. Everyone should feel confident in their safety while on the job, and no one should have to worry about whether they’ll make it home at the end of the day. Let us act now to ensure that our workplaces, farms, and fields are as safe as possible for all.”