Over 60,000 people are expected to flock to the Tullamore Show in Co Offaly on Sunday.

Preparations began on site over a month ago for Ireland's largest one-day agricultural event.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is using the event to drive home tractor safety.

It is warning farmers that children and the elderly are in the most danger.

The authority has joined forces with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána to re-issue a safety advice leaflet to farmers at the annual agricultural event.

While farms are homes as well as workplaces, the HSA is highlighting the risks on the farm.

Of the 61 people who died in tractor deaths in the last decade, 28 were aged 65 or over.

In the same period, from 2009 to 2018, six children were killed in tractor incidents.

So far, five people have died this year in tractor or vehicle related farm deaths - with the majority aged over 65.

"Busy time for farmers"

Speaking ahead of the Tullamore Show, HSA chief executive Dr Sharon McGuinness expressed concern at the age profile of the fatalities.

"Far too many of our older and younger generations are being killed by tractors.

"As farmers age, chances multiply that they will be killed or seriously injured while working as physical tasks become tougher than they used to be.

"Measures should also be taken to ensure children do not play on or near tractors, where the driver may not see them in a blind spot."

Moyagh Murdock, RSA chief executive added: "It really is a busy time for farmers and we need to be on guard for farm machinery on the road.

"If you do find yourself stuck behind a tractor be patient and only overtake when it's safe to do so.

"We really need to be on the look-out for farm machinery exiting from fields and farm yards too - expect the unexpected."