Farm safety advocate Peter Gohery has advised farmers to let others know of their movements when out and about working alone on isolated parts of their land. His comments come in the wake of the unexpected death of a Laois farmer while out herding cattle during the week before Christmas.
Jack Murphy who was born in 1930 was reared on a small farm just outside Ballyroan. The well known plough man and avid GAA enthusiast was a regular at cattle marts in the locality.
Peter Gohery advised farmers to ensure that they carry a fully charged mobile phone with them at all times and to be familiar with their Eircode.
He cited the case of one farmer who injured his hip while throwing round bales to livestock on an outfarm.
He didn’t have his phone with him but luckily his son was in the jeep.
The Co. Galway farmer also advised people to be aware of the dangers of ponds and lakes. The Roscommon Herald recently reported that frozen ponds, lakes and turloughs around Co. Roscommon were proving to be popular playgrounds for some who were using the opportunity to try to skate on the ice.
With Level 5 lockdown in place once again, Peter urged clubs, organisations and neighbours to make regular contact with those living alone and the elderly in their areas. While this is a time when people are being asked to stay apart, it’s important that an eye is kept on the vulnerable, elderly and those living on their own, he said.
“There have been some great initiatives in past months and it’s important that they be revived,” Peter said.