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.