Farmers, agricultural contractors, agricultural advisors or trainers, along with anyone with an interest in safety and health are welcome to attend the National Conference on Farm Safety and Health.

Hosted by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and Teagasc, the conference – which is free to attend – is supported by the Farm Safety Partnership and FBD.

Taking place tomorrow (Friday, November 17) in the Auburn Lodge Hotel, Ennis, Co. Clare, the conference’s main theme is entitled ‘Protecting your Life and Livelihood’.

Active, daily management of safety and health risks in agriculture needs to be prioritised and urgently addressed by all farmers, according to organisers.

During the conference, the current areas of greatest concern will be identified and new approaches to safety and health based on national and international research will be detailed.

Research findings and prevention approaches will also be outlined in an effort to reduce the level of farm fatalities, accidents and ill health, the organisers added.

The conference gets underway 9:30am and runs up until 1:00pm. The opening address will be deliver by the Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen.

It has been decided to split the conference into two sessions, which will be chaired by Teagasc’s director of Knowledge Transfer, Dr. Tom Kelly, and the president of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association, John Comer, respectively.

Various presentations will be given on topics such as: preventing livestock attacks; tractor and machinery livestock; protecting your back; Ireland in the world of farm safety; and understanding fatality trends for future action.

The event will conclude following a question and answer session involving the leaders of various farm organisations.

In the hotel car park, both a tractor and trailer configuration as well as a tractor and slurry tanker combination will be on view alongside a ‘height for hire’ display.

The conference is a Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine approved Knowledge Transfer (KT)  event for sheep, beef, dairy and tillage farmers.

Those thinking of attending should make a booking through Teagasc’s Ennis office by calling: 065-6828676. Alternatively an email can be sent to: [email protected].