Safety campaign highlights the danger of falls from height

HSENI is urging farmers to think first to protect their family and livelihood

Falls from height continue to be one of the most serious causes of injury and death on Northern Ireland’s farms, according to the latest Health and Safety Executive NI (HSENI) statistics. 

HSENI has found that most falls tend to happen when farmers or contractors are building or maintaining roofs on farm buildings. A split-second fall can lead to devastating consequences, with serious injuries and fatalities leaving grieving families, who might also be left facing the risk of losing their home and the farm business. 

Common hazards include falls from ladders, unprotected roof edges, falling from or with stacked bales, and falling through fragile roof materials, particularly on farms where aging structures are still in use. 

HSENI is urging farmers to think first and: 

• make sure they have the right equipment
• check the equipment has been well-maintained and that there are no defects
• consider if there is a better or new way to carry out the work
• ask if the roof repairs could be carried out from below
• place straw bales or similar materials beneath a roof work area to provide a temporary working platform or minimise fall distance
• consider using collective measures that will keep everyone working at or near the site safe, like a working platform
• consider engaging competent contractors for high-risk tasks 

For more information, you can visit the HSENI stand in the Eikon Centre at the Balmoral Show until Saturday 16 May 2026. 

Read more on Working at height. 

First published 14 May 2026