Minister urges farmers: Play it safe

ALL those involved in farming have been urged by Minister of State, Billy Kelleher, to exercise care, especially at this busy time of the year.

He said the recent bad weather and the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Britain meant it was a particularly worrying time for many in the farming community.

“However, I would remind all those engaged in this sector to consider the importance of their own safety and that of their loved ones. Failure to do so can have devastating consequences leading to death or serious injury,” he said.

Mr Kelleher said the agriculture sector has a safety and ill health record disproportionate to its size.

“Summer is a busy time for farming and with a slight improvement in the weather, farms will become busier places.

“With six deaths already this year I am appealing to all involved in agriculture to ‘think safety’ in all their work operations.”

Mr Kelleher said special care should be taken where young people and the elderly are involved. Farmers should not allow any work to be done where dangers are posed by machinery or animals.

He said most accidents could be avoided if there was more thought given to safety.

Mr Kelleher urged all farmers to follow the Code of Practice for the prevention of accidents and occupational ill health in agriculture and to develop a culture of safety and health on their farms.