Worrying increase in farm fatalities

FARMING accounted for almost 40% of all workplace fatalities in 2008, although just over 6% of the workforce is employed in the agri-sector.

The alarming statistic has led to an increased focus on the need for farm safety by all those who work in agriculture and in related activities.

Fatal accidents on farms increased nationally from 11 in 2007 to 21 last year, which is almost a 100% rise.

Agriculture had the highest number of fatalities in any sector during 2008. It was followed by construction (15) and manufacturing (6).

In addition to the 21 farm deaths, there were nearly 2,000 injuries. Combined, these incidents represent a grim list of tragedy, suffering, incapacity and economic loss.

“Shocking and unacceptable” was how the Health and Safety Authority described the number of deaths in farming-related accidents.

The fact that the number was almost double what it was in 2007 was particularly alarming, especially when it was compared with overall workplace deaths which showed a 15% reduction last year from 67 to 57.

Why there should be such a large increase in farm-related fatal accidents despite a raft of safety campaigns and education courses targeting the sector is not easy to understand.

A study of fatal farm injuries over a 15-year period (1993-2007) revealed that January and March are particularly high-risk months. They account for 20% of all fatalities. High workloads during these months are seen as a contributory factor.

Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith, who described the increased number of deaths last year as very worrying, said farmers cannot be complacent when it comes to the safety of themselves or their families.

He said farmers should be aware that they are legally obliged to ensure that their farms are a safe place to work, both for themselves and others.

All farms should have an up-to-date safety statement or risk assessment document to comply with the health and safety regulations.

The completion of such documentation identifies potential safety hazards on the farm and specifies how and when these will be addressed by the farmer, he said.

A study by the Health and Safety Authority and Teagasc shows that most accidents involve tractors/ machinery (49%), followed by livestock (15%), falls from a height (12%) and drowning (12%).

Pat Griffin, senior inspector with the Health and Safety Authority, said the vast majority of these accidents involve machinery of some sort and are usually due to poor maintenance, hurried or incorrect use.

“If farmers were to address even this one key issue, they would be going a long way towards making their farms a safe place to work,” he said.

Mr Griffin said the vast majority of farm accidents are preventable and farmers should take the assistance offered by the various advisory services available.

“Our inspectors visit farms all over the country checking for compliance, providing advice and taking enforcement action where necessary.

“I would encourage farmers to engage with inspectors in a positive and constructive manner, to ask questions and act on any advice given.

“We will assist anyone who is serious about making their farm a safer place to work and live,” he said.

ACCIDENTS in the agri-sector involve not just farmers themselves, but sometimes members of their family, including young children.

With harvest work now in full swing and children on school holidays, there is a great need for vigilance and care, particularly when using machinery. The issue of farm fatalities among the elderly has also become a cause for significant concern.

Analysis by Teagasc of farm accidents over 15 years identified mid and north Tipperary, south-west Cork, Westmeath and Cavan as ” blackspots”.

Teagasc researcher David Meredith said there are also clear indications that the seasonality of accidents is changing with sharp declines in the number of fatalities during the summer months with increases in farm deaths during the winter and spring period.

He said 62% of farm deaths in the month of January are due to tractors and machinery. These operated mainly in the farmyard. Slurry drownings, falls from roofs and animal attacks each accounted for 13% of fatalities.

Mr Meredith said the safety of older farmers merits particular attention in January, as 62% of victims in this month were over 65 years of age.

Teagasc research has also revealed that tillage farms have twice the level of injuries compared to all farm systems.

Those who attended a recent tillage crops open day at Knockbeg Research Farm in Carlow were told that managing safety and health on farms is crucial.

John McNamara, Teagasc, said this is crucial to prevent injury and ill health, pain, suffering and a negative impact on the lifestyle of farmers and their capacity to effectively run a farm.

He said a code of practice for preventing injury and occupational ill health in agriculture has been introduced under legislation.

The code includes a risk assessment document which can be completed as an alternative to repairing a written safety statement for farms with three or less employees.

“Completing this document and acting on it, is the best approach to manage safety and health,” he said, pointing out that Teagasc provides short half-day training courses on complying with health and safety legislation.

New strategies to curb farm accident deaths and injuries are to be considered at a national seminar jointly organised by the Health and Safety Authority and Teagasc. It will be held in Athy, Co Kildare, on August 14.

The HSA, the Farm Safety Partnership and Teagasc will also hold a major practical farm safety and health exhibit and demonstration at Tullamore Show on Sunday (August 9).

Meanwhile, Irish Farmers Association (IFA) Farm Family and Social Affairs Committee chairperson Mary Sherry has called on farmers to take extreme care during this busy season on farms.

“The increase in the number of farm-related fatalities this year is deeply regrettable despite constant promotion of the safety message. I urge all farm families to comply with the farm safety code of practice,” she said.

Ms Sherry said it is important for all farmers to review their risk assessment statements to ensure that risks in relation to the work being done have been identified and appropriate corrective action taken.

The impact of any farm death or serious injury is devastating, not alone for the family involved but for their friends, neighbours and the wider community.

“Often it is only after a serious or fatal accident that dangers are clearly identified, but by then it may be too late,” she said.