Inspection campaign to reduce farming accidents begins

A NATIONWIDE inspection campaign aimed at reducing the level of farming related deaths and accidents has started. Six people have died in agriculture so far in 2007 and it is estimated there are some 3,000 people injured on farms each year.

Eighteen people were killed on Irish farms in 2006 — one a four-year-old and 10 aged 65 or older.

During the month of May, inspectors from the Health and Safety Authority will be carrying out farm inspections countrywide.

The campaign will target a number of safety issues on farms as well as compliance with the new Agriculture Code of Practice.

More than 160,000 copies of the pack have been distributed to farmers as part of a €1.5 million campaign.

Health and Safety Authority senior inspector, Pat Griffin, said every farmer in the country now has a copy of the new code.

“Our inspections will be aimed at ensuring the code is put into practice on farms,” he said.

Inspectors will focus on the main causes of farm deaths including tractor and machinery use, livestock handling and falls from heights. They will also focus on the safety of the elderly and children around the farm.

Farmers will be asked to produce their safety statement — a completed self-assessment document or a completed copy of the new Code of Practice risk assessment.

Inspectors may, if conditions warrant, issue an improvement notice requiring action within a specified period.

During the campaign, inspectors will assist farmers in identifying possible risks around the farm and advise them on measures to prevent accidents.

Over 2,000 farmers have already taken part in Teagasc training courses on the new code.

www.hsa.ie