Macra chief emphasises importance of farm safety over festive season

FARM families have been reminded by Macra na Feirme president Catherine Buckley to remain vigilant when it comes to farm safety over the holiday period.

She said a lot of farm families may have guests who are not used to the potential dangers on farms.

“It is very important that farm families remain vigilant and ensure the safety of people this Christmas,” she said.

Ms Buckley said animals are now the highest cause of serious injuries and lost work days on farms.

December, January and March witness the highest number of animal-related injuries as farmers are in contact with animals daily in farm yards, she said.

There have been 20 farm deaths reported to the Health and Safety Authority to date in 2008, compared to 11 for 2007.

Launching a new farm safety action plan for the Health and Safety Authority last week, Minister of State Billy Kelleher said safe farming is about protecting life and limb.

He appealed to all farmers not to take chances when it comes to “the safety, health and well-being of themselves and their families.”

The new action plan sets out a four-year strategy to reduce the level of injury and occupational ill health among farmers.

It outlines specific goals and actions to achieve these reductions.

A range of farm organisations and state bodies with a role in farm injury and ill health prevention have given their full commitment to achieving the goals set.