With silage season now upon us, and the fatality rate in agriculture remaining far higher than any other economic sector, Dairygold has organised two farm walks dedicated to safety.

Organised as part of Dairygold’s Dairy Development Programme run jointly with Teagasc the events will run today Wednesday, May 25 and on Monday, May 30.

Dairygold has said that the most recent figures from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) confirm three very disappointing trends in farm safety:

  • The fatality rate in agriculture remains far higher than any other economic sector;
  • The level of farm accidents is not decreasing and;
  • Similar accidents occur each year.

Event organiser Billy Cronin of Dairygold has said that the recent spell of warmer weather turns our attention to the silage season.

“Working with silage is a potentially dangerous time, particularly as high-powered machinery is being operated at speed and the risk of accident due to fatigue.

“It is timely to remind ourselves of the safety measures that can help make silage and all farming activity safer.”

One of the speakers at the farm walks, Dave Barry of the HSA, said that “you’ll never know if you prevented an accident but you’ll never forget the one you caused.

Today’s (Wednesday 25) event will take place on the farm of John Fouhy, Meadstown, Kildorrery in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork at 11am and on the farm of Daniel P O’Donovan, Coolmakee, Farnanes, Co. Cork Monday, May 30 at 11am.

Three speakers will address both events. The Health and Safety Authority’s Dave Barry will be looking at risk assessment on the farm while consultant and full-time farmer, Pat Twohig will speak about safe slurry management and PTOs.

A Garda representative will address the new regulations on Agricultural Vehicles and Machinery On Road.

Farm Safety walks details:

  • 11am Wednesday, May 25, John Fouhy, Meadstown, Kildorrery in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork.
  • 11am Monday, May 30, Daniel P O’Donovan, Coolmakee, Farnanes, Co. Cork.
DAIRYGOLD FARM SAFETY SILAGE SUMMER