Fears farm deaths will rise

A senior health and safety inspector has expressed serious concerns for farm safety this year following the worst year for farm deaths in almost 20 years in 2014.

Health and Safety Authority Senior Inspector Pat Griffin said he feared further high levels of farm fatalities due to pressure on farmers with a series of factors unfolding this year.

Changes to agricultural output that could put farmers under additional pressure include the lifting of the ban on Irish beef imports to the USA, an end to milk quotas from March, and farmers face the prospect of bringing some 750,000 heifers to calf this year. High risk factors leading to farm accidents include rushed procedures and fatigue, Mr Griffin said.