Fewer non-fatal farm accidents in 2006, but 18 lives were still lost

THE Teagasc national farm accidents survey shows that the number of non-fatal farm accidents fell by 31% in 2006, compared to the previous survey carried out in 2001.

There were 1,300 fewer non-fatal accidents on farms last year — a very welcome trend.

However, 18 lives were lost in farm accidents in 2006, 12% higher than the average of the past five years — a statistic which calls into question the effectiveness of the ‘farm safely’ message. There is the immeasurable loss of a loved one from 18 homes, and in six more homes already in 2007.