At the present time safety research and development for fusion power reactors can be characterized by understanding basic physical phenomena, seeking design solutions to resolve key issues and the comparison of postulated accidental releases to existing fission reactor regulations. In this paper, a general long term research and development program for fusion reactor safety is suggested. The program is intended to parallel future developments in fusion reactor technology and has five general elements, a) operational safety, b) engineered safety systems, c) reliability and risk assessment, d) siting, emergency planning and off-site effects and e) general safety considerations.