As death toll hits 11, farmers urged to put emphasis on farm safety

With recent deaths bringing the loss of life on farms this year to 11, the Health and Safety Authority and the Irish Farmers Association have urged farmers to give farm safety their highest priority.

HSA senior inspector Pat Griffin warned that poor ground conditions after prolonged wet weather increases the risk for farmers.

“With such poor ground conditions across most parts of the country the risks from tractors and machinery getting stuck, breaking down, sliding or even over-turning is greatly increased. Farmers should plan their work, consider these increased risks and have plans in place to put things right.”

Working with tractors and machinery remains the highest risk activity (six deaths), while working with livestock has also proved dangerous with bull attacks and cow attacks resulting in three deaths. A further two deaths in 2012 occurred as a result of drowning and a falling bale. Those aged over 65 accounted for almost half of these 2012 deaths.

* Teagasc has warned farmers to beware of spores from mouldy feed or grain, caused by the wet summer. Exposure can trigger an irreversible and life long allergic reaction, causing flu-like symptoms, and eventually permanent damage to lung tissue. Ventilating buildings and wearing a mask are recommended.