Teagasc events to put farmer health in the spotlight

A major focus will be put on farmer health and safety at three major Teagasc open days which take place over the next month.

The events are Sheep 2015 at Teagasc Athenry, Co Galway (June 20), Crops and Spraying at Teagasc Oak Park, Carlow (June 24), and Teagasc Moorepark’ 15, a major event for dairy farmers at Fermoy, Co Cork (July 1).

In 2014, 30 people died in farm work related activity, which made up 54% of all workplace deaths. In the first five months of this year, five individuals have died in farm accidents. An estimated 2,500 non-fatal accidents causing serious injury occur on farms annually.