HSENI campaign for older farmers

A new advertising campaign is aimed at reducing the number of work-related deaths and injuries among older farmers

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Farm Safety Partnership have launched a powerful new advertising campaign aimed at reducing the number of work-related deaths and injuries among older farmers. 

‘Farm Wiser to Farm Longer’ aims to get farmers to realise that as they get older their experience and knowledge increases, but sadly so do the risks. 

This campaign focuses on helping farmers to protect their health, avoid preventable accidents, and stay active on the land for many more years. 

Farm vehicles and machinery 

Farm vehicles remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death for older farmers. Risks from vehicles are widespread, including being struck or crushed by moving vehicles, vehicles overturning, losing traction or having mechanical failures. Reduced balance, grip strength and slower reaction times can turn routine jobs into high-risk tasks. 

Livestock 

Even quiet animals can behave unpredictably. Physical changes associated with aging, such as reduced strength, mobility, balance, eyesight and reaction time, increase the risk of serious or fatal injuries when working with livestock. 

Working at heights 

Working at height is an ever-present danger on farms. Falls from ladders and heights are a major cause of life-changing injuries among older farmers. 

Health considerations 

Health considerations are also a core part of the campaign. 

As people get older, changes in health, strength and mobility can increase the risk of accidents. Injuries also take longer to recover from and can stop someone farming altogether. 

Farmers are being encouraged to have regular checks for eyesight, hearing and blood pressure, as undiagnosed health conditions can significantly increase accident risk. 

This campaign aims to show that safety is a sign of good farming, not a weakness, and to keep farming safe and productive for future generations. 

Find out more about the Farm Wiser to Farm Longer campaign. 

First published 19 January 2026