More than half of those killed in workplace accidents on farms this year were aged 65 and over.
Latest figures show that 24 people died on Irish farms in 2017, an increase of three on the previous year.
Overall, 47 people lost their lives in their workplace so far this year.
While most died on farms, six people died in the construction sector, with the same number in the transportation sector losing their lives.
In 2016 the total figure was 46.
The Health and Safety Authority says machinery was involved in just over half of the farm accidents this year.
Several months ago, the HSA got the go-ahead for an extra 11 farm inspectors to be hired before the end of the year.
Today, they said nine posts have now been filled, and the other two will be hired in the coming weeks.
