Using agricultural schemes to make your farm a safer place

Sheep farmers are being encouraged to avail of the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) II initiative to make their enterprises safer places that are easier to work on.

Teagasc has outlined advice and best practice for sheep farmers, on how to reduce the risk factors on their farms.

Farming is one of the most dangerous work sectors in Ireland. Typically about a third of all workplace deaths occur in the agriculture sector, Teagasc says.

This year, to Friday, August 28, 16 farm deaths have occurred. On average about 19 fatal farm accidents occur on Irish farms each year.

Farm accidents causing serious injury occur at the high level of 2,500 per year. These can lead to permanent disability and interfere with a person’s capacity to farm effectively.

Considerable grant aid support for farm safety improvements is available through the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS II) up until the end of 2020, the agricultural authority notes.

Sheep farmers need to consider how to make the optimum application for this scheme, the agency says.

Grant aid through the various TAMS II schemes is available up to the end of 2020.

The principal areas where funding is available include: slurry aeration; access manholes; electrical installations and lighting; livestock handling facilities; safety rails; and sliding doors.

Teagasc says it is mandatory that all applicants will have completed, within the last five years prior to the submission of their claim for payment, the half-day Farm Safety Code of Practice course (given by Teagasc or other trained persons) or the FETAC Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (Green Cert).

Your claim for payment will not be processed until evidence of completion of the course is provided. It is recommended that you discuss your application with your advisor, to optimise the benefit for your farm.