Half of workplace deaths on farms

Eight people have died in farm accidents so far this year, with five of those killed in Cork, it emerged today.

Farm-related deaths accounted for half of the 16 people to die at work in 2006, the Health and Safety Authority said.

Four of those who died were at least 65-years-old, while the latest fatality was a young Mayo farmer who was killed yesterday after being attacked by a bull near his home.

The death was the first by animal attack in 2006, although several incidents causing fatalities and injuries in recent years have involved animals.

Tom Beegan, CEO of the HSA, said farmers were failing to take heed of the need for greater awareness of safety around the farm.

“Every accident is predictable and preventable. It just takes a little extra care and attention to prevent an accident,” he said.

“We urge farmers to just take five or ten minutes to spot and sort potential safety issues around the farm.”

Mr Beegan said the ongoing work of the Authority including its Farm Self-Assessment system meant that no farmer should be unaware of the dangers faced on the farm or of their responsibilities under health and safety law.

“It is not just farmers who are dying but often it’s a family member or close friend,” he said.

Meanwhile, Teagasc insisted even a small amount of training could significantly improve farm safety.

The body’s Health and Safety Officer, John McNamara, said attendance at short training courses is vital in improving the accident and ill health record of the sector.

“The safety record on farms has deteriorated with the number of farm deaths rising from 13 in 2004 to 18 in 2005,” he said.

“It is vital that farmers implement health and safety measures at farm level to prevent a rise in accident levels at this time of the year.

“Particular care is needed when operating farm vehicles, power drives and machines with moving parts. Bulls can also be dangerous and attacks by livestock are one of the prime causes of farm deaths in the summer months.”