Health & Safety is relevant to all farming businesses. As a farmer you are responsible for the health, safety and welfare of yourself, employees and others that may be affected by what you do. This includes contractors, casual or part time workers, trainees, neighbours, and family members. In these dedicated Health & Safety web pages we aim to support you in ensuring that your farm is safe, healthy, and legally compliant.
Farming is a profession and a business that comes with unique challenges, including heightened risks of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress. These challenges are often made worse by financial uncertainties, unpredictable weather, social isolation, and the overall complexities of farming life.
The Farmer Wellbeing Board was designed to provide on-site information about various helplines and agencies that offer support to those in need in times of crisis. It is a visual signpost for farmers on where to reach out for help.
Farming can be challenging due to issues such as drought, fodder shortage and associated financial issues. There are many issues in farming that can cause stress and associated ill health and injury. Research shows a high satisfaction and quality of life associated with countryside living. Individual circumstances can arise however which lead to stress.
Guidance has recently been published by the Tree Council of Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on the topic of managing roadside trees. The document sets out to inform landowners of their responsibilities and to provide clear, practical guidance around what they need to do in order to fulfil those responsibilities. Guidance is provided on the identification of common tree defects with photographs to illustrate these. The importance of checking trees regularly is explained, along with the need to keep simple records of these checks. Advice is also provided on engaging professionals and on health and safety in tree work. Download ‘A Guide for Landowners to Managing Roadside Trees’ at this link
John McNamara – Health and Safety Specialist
When making decisions, most people have biases and take short cuts which often leads to poor decision making. Nudge theory is based on behavioural economics and psychology and assists people to make more rational and better decisions.
The application of NUDGE theory to promote farm safety is being investigated by the New York Centre for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH). Watch video below for more information
Read about Richard Thaler’s behavioural economics revealing that people decide with emotion not logic Irish Times article October 2017 (PDF)
