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Image: Shutterstock/Krivosheev Vitaly
Image: Shutterstock/Krivosheev Vitaly
FARMERS ARE BEING urged to be careful this year, after 2014 saw the highest number of deaths on farms in decades.
30 people died on Ireland’s farms last year, including three children under the age of 16 and nine over 65. That is more than have died on farms since the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in 1989.
Martin O’Halloran of the HSA told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that the figure is far above what is usually seen.
“It’s about one and a half times of what we expect to see. Most times they’re foreseeable and preventable.
“We’re asking farmers to make a resolution to act safely in 2015 and take the time to check their machinery.
“The other areas are livestock, falls from heights and slurry pits.”
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He added that uncovered parts on tractors, unguarded slurry pits and the carrying of children unrestrained in machines were particular worries.
“Any fatality on a farm is unacceptable.
“The majority of farmers work safely, so there is nothing to fear for farmers who work safely.”
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