More than 50 people have died in farming accidents in Northern Ireland during the past decade, and 12 children have been killed in work-related farm incidents since 2000. In response, the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) and the Farm Safety Partnership (FSP) have launched their annual farm safety poster competition.
The competition encourages students to create posters highlighting dangers commonly found on farms and the steps that can be taken to prevent serious accidents.
According to HSENI, 28 farming-related deaths have occurred in Northern Ireland during the past five years, with four additional fatalities recorded so far this year. Children have also been involved in a number of serious and fatal farm accidents.
Organizers said the competition is designed to engage young people in farm safety education while encouraging discussions about risk awareness at home and in rural communities.
The Farm Safety Foundation, also known as Yellow Wellies, is sponsoring the competition. The organization said the annual contest provides an opportunity to introduce safety messages to children in an engaging and creative format while helping reinforce those messages within farm families.
The competition is open through July 31, 2026. Participants are invited to draw and color posters that communicate an important farm safety message.
Entries are encouraged to focus on the four primary farm hazards identified by organizers: slurry, animals, falls and equipment, collectively referred to as SAFE. However, children may also submit artwork depicting other farm-related dangers they recognize.
Twelve winning entries will be selected and announced in September. Each winner will receive a £50 voucher.
The winning posters will be incorporated into HSENI publicity materials as part of ongoing efforts to promote farm safety awareness among farming families and rural communities.
Source: Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland, "Young safety ambassadors needed to help highlight farming risks "