Teagasc joins HSA in farm health and safety initiative
It follows an ongoing trend of accidents which result in fatalities and serious injuries on farms. Eighteen persons lost their lives on farms up to the start of this month, while the number of serious farm accidents is estimated at 2,500 a year.
The agreement between Teagasc and the Health and Safety Authority is a renewal of a Joint Initiative in place since 2005, which developed the Farm Health and Safety Code of Practice.
It will operate in conjunction with the Farm Safety Partnership advisory committee to the HSA which is representative of farming organisations and state agencies with a role in promoting farm health and safety.
Teagasc director Professor Gerry Boyle said Teagasc participation in the joint agreement will be to encourage positive health and safety behaviour change among farmers and support follow-through on the intention. It will use its national knowledge transfer system of training, advice provision and network of discussion groups to assist farmers with health and safety adoption. Teagasc also has a number of health and safety research projects in progress which will provide knowledge to assist farmers.
Martin O’Halloran, chief executive officer, Health and Safety Authority said: “There is a constant need for vigilance on farms in relation to safety and we urge all farmers to take time to assess the risks on their farms and take corrective action.”
