New farm safety measures aim to reduce risk on farms

IFA Farm Family & Social Affairs Chair Alice Doyle said new farm safety measures announced by Minister Martin Heydon will support farmers in safeguarding themselves while working.

The measure will provide a financial contribution to participating farmers covering 60% of the eligible cost of quad bike helmets and Power Take Off (PTO) shaft covers. A total of €1.5m has been allocated to the measure.

Minister Heydon said "This new €1.5 million National Farm Safety Measure will help protect farmers and everyone involved in operating PTO-powered equipment and quad bikes on farms from serious and fatal injuries”.

“Investing in safety provides for better working conditions and reduces the risk of injury or fatality.

This measure is designed to drive a change in behaviour and address unsafe practices such as operating a quad without a helmet, or operating machinery with defective or missing PTO shaft covers.”

The maximum amount of aid under the measure is for two quad bike (ATV) helmets and four PTO shaft covers.

The grant aid will be at a rate of 60% subject to a maximum eligible cost of €100 per PTO shaft cover and €150 per quad bike (ATV) helmet. The measure will be open until September 29th next.

For further information on the National Farm Safety Measure 2023 go to www.gov.ie/farmsafety