Farm families must put safety first in busy summer season, says IFA

Farm families have again been urged by IFA president Eddie Downey to make safety a top priority on their farms and to think safety and to farm safely at all times.

A total of 17 lives have been lost to farm accidents so far this year, which is more than in all of 2013.

Mr Downey said farming is a high-risk occupation, but accidents and injuries can be prevented by taking time and working safely.

“Being tired, distracted and stressed is often a reality on busy farms and every effort must be made to avoid shortcuts. At the peak of this busy summer season on farms, safety must come first,” he said.

Mr Downey appealed to farm families to dedicate time to thinking about health and safety on their farms, to identify potential danger areas, and to consider ways to minimise risks.

“By taking time with family members and farm staff to review or complete a risk assessment, farmers will not only reduce the risks to themselves, their families, employees and farm visitors but will also ensure they are complying with Health and Safety legislation,” he said.

Mr Downey said the IFA has a dedicated farm safety section on its website which provides farm safety videos, booklets, links and information.

This complements a range of initiatives, including text alerts to IFA members and regular updates through its County Executive network.