Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has encouraged farmers to avail of financial supports so they can invest in equipment to help make their work environment safer.
The call comes during Tractor Safety Week, which started yesterday and runs until 29 May.
Under the TAMS 3 scheme, 60% grant aid is available for equipment such as silage bale slicers and wheel changing equipment, while Accelerated Capital Allowances are available for equipment such as big bag lifters and quick hitch mechanisms.
So far this year there have been two confirmed fatal farm incidents, however, last year there were 25 fatal incidents on farms - double the number in 2024.
There has been an average of around 18 fatal incidents per year on Irish farms over the last ten years, while in the same ten-year period eight children have died in farm incidents, all involving farm vehicles.
In addition, there are around 4,500 non-fatal incidents each year on Irish farms, some of which result in life-changing injuries.
Tractors and machinery account for almost half of all fatal incidents on farms.
Minister Heydon said "there is no justification for taking chances when it comes to farm safety, particularly with tractors and machinery as the consequences can be tragic.
"Poor safety practices on farms must become socially unacceptable," he added.
Tractor Safety Week is a collaborative campaign run by the Health and Safety Authority's Farm Safety Partnership, aimed at highlighting the changes farmers can make to minimise the risk of an incident.
