Strategies seek to curb farm accident deaths

STRATEGIES to curb farm accident deaths and injuries are to be considered at a national seminar jointly organised by the Health and Safety Authority and Teagasc.

It will be held in Athy, Co Kildare, on August 14 as concern grows that agriculture-related accidents account for 30% of all workplace deaths.

There were 21 deaths in the sector last year and a further five people have lost their lives in farm accidents this year. An estimated 1,800 accidents occur each year in the sector, which employs just 6% of the working population.