Ageing profile one of the main factors leading to rising trend in farm deaths
A long term geo-demographic study conducted by Teagasc and the HSE has found that certain farmer behaviours and ageing profiles are the main factors in deaths on Irish farms.
Ageing farmer profile and lack of safety behaviours are the main reasons for rising trend farm deaths
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The study’s lead researcher, Dr David Meredith of Teagasc’s Rural Economy Development Programme said the study has examined farm workplace death patterns since 1993 in relation to population, geography, primary causes of fatalities and the timing of deaths. The overall aim of the research is to uncover trends that will be of assistance in reducing the number of deaths on Irish farms.
He said that since 2009 fatalities among farmers below 45 years of age are below the long run average. In contrast, deaths among farmers aged between 45 and 64 years of age are 57% above the long run average for this group. He said this is the “equivalent of three extra deaths per year of farmers in this age group.”
Dr Meredith went on to say that large numbers of farmers in this age group returned to farming after the collapse in the construction sector and this is thought to be the reason behind the growing number of deaths among farmers aged between 45 and 64.
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The Teagasc researcher said there is also a strong behavioural dimension to farm workplace deaths and the “data indicate that accidents become increasingly lethal with increasing age”.
Teagasc National Health and Safety Officer, John McNamara called on farmers to ensure that tractors and farm vehicles are securely parked and that the safety of all persons who have access to farmyards is considered. He gave this advice as 60% of farm deaths in 2014 were associated with moving farm vehicles and machines resulting in lethal crushes and blows.
Mr McNamara, said the findings of the study are in line with international trends that indicate that safety behaviour is a factor in 90% of accidents and that farm death rates rise with increasing age.
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Title: Ageing profile one of the main factors leading to rising trend in farm deaths
A long term geo-demographic study conducted by Teagasc and the HSE has found that certain farmer behaviours and ageing profiles are the main factors in deaths on Irish farms.
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The study’s lead researcher, Dr David Meredith of Teagasc’s Rural Economy Development Programme said the study has examined farm workplace death patterns since 1993 in relation to population, geography, primary causes of fatalities and the timing of deaths. The overall aim of the research is to uncover trends that will be of assistance in reducing the number of deaths on Irish farms.
He said that since 2009 fatalities among farmers below 45 years of age are below the long run average. In contrast, deaths among farmers aged between 45 and 64 years of age are 57% above the long run average for this group. He said this is the “equivalent of three extra deaths per year of farmers in this age group.”
Dr Meredith went on to say that large numbers of farmers in this age group returned to farming after the collapse in the construction sector and this is thought to be the reason behind the growing number of deaths among farmers aged between 45 and 64.
The Teagasc researcher said there is also a strong behavioural dimension to farm workplace deaths and the “data indicate that accidents become increasingly lethal with increasing age”.
Teagasc National Health and Safety Officer, John McNamara called on farmers to ensure that tractors and farm vehicles are securely parked and that the safety of all persons who have access to farmyards is considered. He gave this advice as 60% of farm deaths in 2014 were associated with moving farm vehicles and machines resulting in lethal crushes and blows.
Mr McNamara, said the findings of the study are in line with international trends that indicate that safety behaviour is a factor in 90% of accidents and that farm death rates rise with increasing age.
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