Farm deaths have more than doubled the number of fatalities recorded for the first five months in 2016 in an “alarming” trend for the industry.
Provisional figures showed that 12 farm deaths had occurred by May 31, compared to five for the comparable period last year and six in 2015. Accidents involving tractors and quads accounted for eight of these fatalities, while livestock made up the other four.
10 of these deaths were among people aged over 60, with Teagasc Health and Safety Specialist John McNamara pointing to research from the US that showed people over 65 were five times more likely to be victims of farm deaths.
He called on farmers across the country to prioritise safety to avoid more “tragic” incidents by identifying specific dangers when working with machinery and livestock, and by adequately assessing heights.
Predictions based on previous trends suggest that 17 more farm fatalities will occur before the end of the year, with a total of 197 people killed in farm accidents over the past decade.
McNamara also urged farmers to ensure their tractors and machinery were properly maintained, and that brakes and handbrakes were in good working order.
Being struck or crushed by vehicles and machinery is now the most frequent cause of machinery accidents, so vigilance when operating machines is vital to prevent further deaths.
Farmers were also advised to use a “mobile sanctuary”, such as a tractor, for protection when entering a field to herd livestock, and to discuss safety issues with family and friends in order to promote the adoption of safety practices.
President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) John Comer (pictured) also said: “Unfortunately, year after year, farm families across the country are beset by terrible tragedies where they’ve lost loved ones or have loved ones suffer serious and long-term injuries in farm accidents.
“We can’t avoid the fact that ultimately this is a matter for us as farmers to face up to.
We need, as individuals and as a sector, to consciously take responsibility for our farms’ safety and really act on concrete measures to ensure that such tragedies are minimised, both in numbers and severity, going forward.
“Right now we’re 10 times more likely to be killed working on our farms than any other occupation in Ireland and we have to reduce that terrible statistic.”
- Sheep Open Day at Teagasc, Athenry, Co. Galway on June 21;
- Crops & Cultivation Open Day at Teagasc, Oak Park, Co. Carlow on June 28;
- National Dairy Open Day at Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork on July 4.
The national conference ‘Managing Labour on Dairy Farms’ will take place at the Horse and Jockey, Co. Tipperary, on June 15, to assist farmers with making effective use of labour and working time.
Meanwhile, a remembrance service for victims of farm accidents will be held in the Church of the Most Holy Rosary, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois, on Sunday, June 25 at 2:00pm.