Safety watchdog: Number of farm deaths shocking

THE number of people killed in farming-related accidents last year was described by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) yesterday as “shocking and unacceptable”.

Statistics for the year showed 21 people lost their lives in the agri-sector, compared with 11 in 2007.

The figures for the sector overshadowed a 15% reduction in overall workplace deaths, which totalled 57 as against 67 the previous year.