HSA: Farming accounts for two in five of all workplace fatalities
Farming accounts for two in five of all fatal workplace incidents, despite only representing 6.5% of the workforce, data from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has revealed.
According to the HSA, this year farming has accounted for five of the ten workplace fatalities, with fishing accounting for one fatality.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM) Michael Healy-Rae has voiced his concern about the significant increase in work-related fatalities among outdoor workers, particularly among farmers.
The minister extended his sympathies to those who lost loved ones, and recognises the pain that these families, friends and communities are going through.
The minister said: "The recent number of fatal incidents on farms is very concerning.
"These losses serve to remind us that safety must be prioritised above everything else, and farmers must make every effort to ensure their own safety and the safety of everyone working on or visiting their farm."
Minister Healy-Rae has called for farmers to make every effort to minimise the risk of a serious incident, and particularly highlighted the dangers when operating a quad.
The minister said: “With the HSA being notified of three fatal incidents involving quads in the past month, now is the time for farmers to invest in a helmet and complete the required quad safety training, if they haven’t already done so.
"Farmers must also ensure that only drivers who have completed the required training and wear a helmet are allowed to operate a quad."
The minister is also keen to stress the importance of safety when working at height.
Minister Healy-Rae said: “With a significant amount of building maintenance and construction being carried out on farms, farmers must assess the risks and ensure that the required protective measures to prevent falls are always in place before working at height.”
The DAFM has also issued an open call for projects about farm safety, health and wellbeing.
DAFM is inviting applications from individuals, groups, and organisations that have the capability and vision, to develop and deliver projects which address farm safety, health and wellbeing challenges on Irish farms.
These projects will support and promote best practice and bring about behavioural change to minimise the risks to the safety, health, and wellbeing of everyone on farms, including farmers, workers, farm families and visitors.
