Farms have 'highest rate of fatalities'

THE farming community has a higher rate of fatalities than any other sector, it was stated yesterday. Fifteen people including one child were killed on farms in 2004 compared with 19 people including two children in 2003.

Minister of State John Browne, who opened the Farm Machinery Show at Punchestown Event Centre, Co Kildare, said non-fatal accidents also bring disability, suffering and economic hardship.

Between 1998 and 2003 41% of farm fatalities were due to crush injuries from tractors and other machinery and 17% were due to entanglement with machinery.