Agency conducts 300 fewer farm checks

The Health and Safety Authority has confirmed that it has conducted almost 300 fewer farm inspections in the first six months of this year compared to the same period in 2014 — although the number of farm-related deaths has halved.

Last year, the number of fatalities in the farm sector soared by 87% and accounted for more than half of all workplace deaths.

As a result there was surprise when the HSA announced that it would be reducing the number of farm inspections, and instead rolling out a system of “farm discussion groups” around the country aimed at encouraging farmers to review each other’s safety standards.