Older farmers urged to better plan their work to improve safety record

A joint campaign by the Health and Safety Authority and the Irish Farmers’ Association is urging farmers to plan their work to reduce risks.

The ‘Farm Safety Fortnight’ campaign will see HSA inspectors raise the number of farm safety visits, working with the IFA and others to promote safety, particularly among farmers in the 60+ age group.

Over the last 10 years, 182 people have died in farm accidents. More than half of these were farmers over 60 years old. Farmers over 55 accounted for 70% of all farm deaths in those years.

IFA president John Bryan said: “Older farmers can continue to be safe and productive on their farms. The key is to recognise age-related risks such as reduced strength and flexibility, and to modify expectations as well as work practices so that operations are completed safely.”

The HSA and the IFA have produced a DVD entitled Older, Wiser, Safer: A Practical Guide to Safety for Older Farmers. The DVD features farm journalist Darragh McCullough talking to farmers Alan Gillis and Gerry Maguire about machinery, longer hours, and time pressure.

HSA chief executive Martin O’Halloran said: “Planning work and reducing risks means that you can farm safely, regardless of age.”

The main causes of death and injury on farms are tractors and machinery (47%); livestock (13%); and falls from height (12%).

* A series of Older Wiser Safer videos on YouTube: http://exa.mn/safety