Farmers urged to focus on improving safety
It is part of a National Farm Safety Awareness Day organised by the Irish Farmers Association in a bid to make farms safer places in which to live and work.
Last year was particularly difficult, with 30 deaths on Irish farms. There have been eight more fatal farm accidents this year.
The IFA, with the support of the Champions for Change campaign, have produced an easy-to-use farm safety risk assessment planner.
Eddie Downey, president, has urged all farm families to use the planner to review safety on their farm.
The aim is to raise awareness of the dangers that exist on farms and encourage people to change working practices to reduce risks.
Mr Downey said attitudes to farm safety are changing. The response to the Farm Safety Scheme shows that if farmers are supported, they will invest in safety.
IFA farm family and social affairs chairwoman Maura Canning said the Farm Safety Awareness Day is about getting the whole family involved to review safety on the farm.
“Summer is a very busy time on farms so it is important that the young people are aware of the potential risks,” she said.
“By getting the whole family involved, I believe we will bring about real change in behaviour to safety and make farming safer.”
Farming remains a labour-intensive and sometimes dangerous occupation. Each year fatalities reach double figures and more than 1,000 injuries occur.
The IFA says the best way for farmers to protect themselves, their family, and anyone working or visiting their property is to know where hazards occur and to eliminate or reduce the risks.
All farmers with more than three employees must complete a safety statement under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
Those with three employees or less can comply by adhering to the Farm Safety Code of Practice, completing the Farm Safety Risk Assessment and implementing appropriate control measures.
