Major push to raise farm safety awareness as deaths soar to 18

The figure of 18 farm fatalities so far in 2014 is already two more than the total for all of 2013, Teagasc and the Health and Safety Authority has warned.

The two organisations hope to heighten awareness of the need for farm safety at the National Conference on Farm Safety and Health on August 21. The venue for the event is the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny from 10am to 1pm.

“The conference takes place against the background of a major upsurge in farm deaths,” said John McNamara of Teagasc’s Health and Safety Office, who will provide recent findings on adoption of safety and health measures by farmers from a national study. “The conference is of particular relevance to... anyone with an interest in farm safety and health,” he said. The conference is being held in association with the Farm Safety Partnership,

Brian and Norma Rohan, organisers of the recent Embrace Farm Accident Victim Remembrance Service, will outline the impact of a farm accident.

Attendance is free but booking is requested at: 056-7721133. For more see www.teagasc.ie.