HSA & IFA join forces to launch farm safety campaign
New initiative aimed at older farmers
Monday 8th April
Farmers must plan their work to reduce risks, that’s the message from the Health and Safety Authority and the Irish Farmers’ Association who have today (Monday 8th April) launched ‘Farm Safety Fortnight’.
Over the next two weeks the HSA will be carrying out an increasing number of farm safety visits while working with the IFA and other bodies to promote safety with a particular emphasis on older farmers in the 60+ age group.
Over the last 10 years there have been 182 people killed, and many more seriously injured, as the result of farm accidents. More than half of these accidents involve farmers over the age of 60. In fact, accidents involving farmers over 55 years of age often account for 70% of farm deaths.
In an effort to reverse this trend, and focus attention on age as a risk factor, the HSA and the IFA have jointly produced a DVD entitled ‘Older, Wiser, Safer – A Practical Guide to Safety for Older Farmers.’
In the DVD, farming Journalist and Broadcaster Darragh McCullough talks to Alan Gillis and Gerry Maguire, two older farmers, about their experiences and how farming has changed over the years with more machinery, longer hours and more time pressure.
Speaking about the initiative, IFA President, John Bryan said that the advice given by Alan Gillis and Gerry Maguire is very practical and he encouraged farmers to take the time to watch the DVD. “Older farmers can continue to be safe and productive on their farms, the key is to recognise age-related risks such as reduced strength and flexibility, and to modify expectations as well as work practices so that operations are completed safely”.
Martin O’Halloran CEO of the Health and Safety Authority said that ‘Older, Wiser, Safer’ is part of an on-going approach to get farmers to tell their own stories and influence each other on this issue, “I believe that this DVD will resonate, not just with older farmers, but with the wider farming community. Listening to Alan and Gerry speak re-enforces the message that planning work and reducing risks means that you can farm safely, regardless of age.”
Speaking about Farm Safety Fortnight Martin O’Halloran said, “We would encourage Farmers to give some time each day to farm safety and if one of our Inspectors visit, engage with them and act on any advice given.
The main causes of death and injury on farms are; tractors and machinery (47%), livestock (13%) and falls from height (12%).
To date, this year, there have been 2 deaths reported due to work activity on farms.
Older Wiser Safer is available online at http://www.youtube.com/user/HSAOlderWiserSafer?feature=mhee
