Donegal worst county for fatal farm accidents
The incidence of fatal farm accidents in Donegal was 47% above the national average, Wexford was 33% higher, North Tipperary 32% higher, and West Cork 16% higher.
These 'high risk' counties will get special attention from Teagasc and the Health and Safety Authority over the coming months in a drive to change the image of farms as the 'killer' workplace in the country.
There has been a 50% increase in injuries in farm accidents over the past decade.
The biggest killer was farm machinery, involved in almost half the fatalities.
Livestock were the No 2 killer.
In order to simplify requirements for farmers, while maintaining awareness of accident situations, a new 'user friendly' Code of Practice Risk Assessment (Safety Statement) has been agreed with the Health and Safety Authority.
This will be available to farmers with no employees on the farm, or up to three employees, and is designed to reduce written documentation to the minimum.
Training courses are also being carried out, following evidence from Denmark that the farm accident rate fell by 48% after farmers attended a half day training course.
According to John McNamara, Health and Safety Officer, Teagasc, many farm accidents could be prevented by greater awareness, at little cost.
Tom Beegan, Chief Executive, Health and Safety Authority, has welcomed the opportunity to work with Teagasc on the farm safety programme.
