As farm related deaths continue to rise with four recorded so far this year, farming “blackspots” are to be targeted with safety seminars from early next month.
The Health and Safety Authority and Teagasc, in association with the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee, are holding a spring farm safety seminar campaign to try offset rising farm fatalities.
There were 21 farm related deaths in 2008 and 4 already this year, clear evidence that working in agriculture continues to be one of the most demanding and hazardous occupations, according to the organisations involved.
“Each year we see a disproportionate number of people killed on farms. Last year over 40 per cent of all workplace fatalities occurred on farms and when you consider that only 6 per cent of the workforce is engaged in agriculture we have to find a way to stop this carnage,” said Pat Griffin, senior inspector with the HSA.
John McNamara, Teagasc Health and Safety Officer, noted that these important seminars were open to all but there is an urgent need for local farm leaders to attend.
He said the seminars will be held in accident blackspot areas, will cover key farm safety issues including prevention strategies, safety training and injury case studies.
“We all have to try to influence farmers and change behaviours to a more safety first attitude. I hope that local representatives of the farming groups can come along and help spread the message to the industry,” he said.
David Meredith of Teagasc said the highest level of accidents occur in early spring so it was not a coincidence that it was decided to hold seminars during March when the accident rate was higher due to the heavy workload, particularly on dairy farms.
An analysis of the causes of fatal accidents in the sector has shown the majority of accidents involve tractors/machinery (49 per cent), livestock (15 per cent), falls from height (12 per cent) and drowning (12 per cent).
Figures provided by the Authority showed that over 300 people have lost their lives in farm accidents since 1993 and many more have been left with life-long injuries and ill-health.
The seminars will take place in Tipperary (Teagasc Centre, Nenagh, Wednesday 4th March), West Cork (Clonakilty Agricultural College, Thursday 5th March), Westmeath (Teagasc Centre, Mullingar, Tuesday 10th March) and Cavan (Ballyhaise Agricultural College, Wednesday 11th March).
Local Teagasc centres should be contacted in advance to book a place.