Twenty-eight people have died in farming accidents in Northern Ireland over the past five years, with four more deaths already recorded this year. The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) and the Farm Safety Partnership are urging primary school pupils to help change these figures through a poster competition.

The annual competition, open until 31 July 2026, asks pupils to draw pictures that communicate farm safety messages. Submissions should focus on the four main hazards summarised by the acronym SAFE: Slurry, Animals, Falls, and Equipment. Entries on other farm dangers are also welcomed.

Twelve winners will be selected in September and each receives a £50 voucher. Their artwork will feature in future HSENI publicity materials aimed at farming families.

Gemma Mooney, HSENI’s principal agri-food inspector, stated that farms are wonderful places but contain many risks, including quad bikes, tractors, livestock, and slurry tanks. She said the competition encourages children to think about safety for themselves and their families.

Stephanie Berkeley, manager of the charity the Farm Safety Foundation, which sponsors the competition, noted that beneath the colourful drawings lies a powerful introduction to safety concepts. The creative process helps children learn to question and take key messages home.

Further details and educational resources are available on the HSENI website.