Irish dairy co-operative Lakeland Dairies has launched a farm safety campaign targeting its supplier farms across Northern Ireland, as figures confirm that farming accounts for 40% of all work-related fatalities in the region despite representing just 4% of the total workforce.

According to Lakeland Dairies, the campaign was formally launched at Balmoral Show and will engage farmer suppliers through regular communications including the co-operative's monthly Farm Notes, social media and digital channels, delivering practical safety reminders applicable to day-to-day farm operations.

Figures from the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland show that 51 farm-related deaths have been recorded over the past decade, with the summer period identified as a time of heightened risk due to increased workload, pressure and fatigue.

The Balmoral Show launch included a farm safety discussion attended by Bryan Monson, deputy chief executive of HSENI, alongside Lakeland Dairies chairperson Niall Matthews and Dr Rebecca Orr, medical doctor and researcher at Queen's University Belfast.

Farm accident survivors also addressed attendees, including Thomas Bowen, who recounted being attacked by a bull at Clogher Mart and requiring emergency attendance by Air Ambulance NI, and Lakeland Dairies milk supplier Avril McCann, who described being attacked by a cow on her family farm near Newtownards, suffering injuries including broken ribs.

"Farm safety is a very real concern for farm families and rural communities," said Niall Matthews, chairperson of Lakeland Dairies. "This campaign is about practical reminders, real conversations and encouraging safety as part of everyday farm life."

Take a closer look at Lakeland Dairies' farm safety campaign and the steps being taken to protect Northern Ireland's farming community in the complete report.