A cross-border conference in Monaghan heard that the agricultural sector continues to have a poor safety record with news that there have been 16 fatal farm accidents on the island this year.
About one-third of workplace deaths in Ireland take place on farms, while only 6% of the workforce is employed in the sector. Elderly farmers working with livestock and machinery are said to be particularly at risk.
Minister for Labour Affairs, Billy Kelleher said farm safety presents challenges common to the whole island. Bryan Monson of the Health and Safety Executive in Northern Ireland (HSE NI) said it was not surprising that there were similarities in the kinds of accidents occurring on farms north and south.
Ulster Farmers' Union Rural Affairs chairperson, Esther Irvine said, "Farmers are particularly busy people at this time of year. It's very easy to get caught up in the rush of silage-making and put issues related to safety to the back of one's mind. Our aim is to raise awareness of just how dangerous farms can be and to encourage a safety first approach on every farm."
