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.

Farming had the highest number of fatalities in any sector. It was followed by construction (15) and manufacturing (6).

Labour Affairs Minister Billy Kelleher called on all farmers to make safety and health a priority in 2009.

“While I am pleased at the overall reduction in workplace deaths, we need to see significant improvements in the agriculture sector,” he said. “I want everyone in farming when they are going about any task to take a few minutes to assess any risks and to take preventative action.

“Indeed, this applies to all workers and employers across the whole range of workplaces,” he said.

HSA chief executive Martin O’Halloran said the loss of life in the agri-sector is a cause of particular concern.

“While I very much welcome the overall reduction in the fatality rate for 2008, the number of work-related deaths in the farming sector is shocking and unacceptable. This year over a third of all workplace deaths occurred on Irish farms. Tragically, they involved not just farmers themselves, but sometimes members of their family, including young children,” he said.

Cork had more workplace deaths (13) across all sectors than any other county. Dublin, Meath and Tipperary were next with 5 deaths each.

Mr O’Halloran said the country is going through a difficult economic period, but cutting corners on safety is not an option. He said the HSA will continue to focus on high-risk sectors in 2009. “Safety and health is a core part of the culture in certain sectors but others, including farming, have to change their mindset.

“Our job is to make safety and health a priority for every employer and employee in the country regardless of their occupation or sector in which they work,” he said.