Need for increased farm safety highlighted

THE fact that there were 10 fatalities so far this year in farm-related accidents highlighted the need for greater vigilance on farms around the country, according to the chairman of the judges at the inaugural Agricultural Colleges Fasinex Dosing Competition which was held at Kildalton College, Co Kilkenny.

Frank Laffey, Teagasc National Safety Officer, said that while the figures are improving, there should be more emphasis on putting safety controls in place because one death is far too many.

There were 1,731 farm accidents in 2005, the latest year for which official figures are available.

The team from Mountbellew College, Co. Galway, Brendan Scarry and Richard Burke, were the winners of the competition which was designed to promote “Best Practice” in terms of farmer health and safety with the emphasis on skill and efficiency in dosing large animals.

They beat off stiff competition from the five other agricultural colleges — Gurteen, Ballyhaise, Clonakilty, Pallaskenry and Kildalton.

Each team had to handle and dose 12 large animals and the winners were decided on the basis of their skill, stockmanship and speed.

“Health and safety on farms is a priority nowadays and the training of young people in agriculture is paramount,” said Eugene Smyth, Novartis Animal Health, presenting the prize to the winners who received a cash prize and the Fasinex Perpetual Trophy.

The winning college also received a supply of Fasinex Super for dosing their dairy herd in 2008.