24 people died on Irish farms last year

THE results of a Teagasc survey published yesterday show that 3,077 accidents occurred on Irish farms in 2001, resulting in 24 deaths, significant injury and loss of income.

Conducted among a representative sample of more than 1,100 farm families earlier this year, the survey reveals a decline in the number of farm accidents since the last major Teagasc survey in 1996. It also shows a significant decline in the number of accidents involving farm machinery.

However, the number of accidents caused by livestock and trips and falls in the farmyard increased.