The National Conference on Farm Safety and Health will take place on Thursday 21 August in the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny, from 10am to 1pm.

Aimed at farmers, contractors, advisers and anyone with an interest in farm safety and health, the free event takes place against the background of an upsurge in farm deaths – 18 so far in 2014.

Farming leaders Eddie Downey (IFA), John Comer (ICMSA) and Kieran O’Dowd (Macra na Feirme) will chair sessions. Among other speakers, Brian and Norma Rohan, organisers of the recent Embrace farm accident victim remembrance service, will outline the impact of a farm accident.

Chartered Psychologist, Dr Denis O’Hora from the School of Psychology, NUI Galway, will outline the challenges that face farmers in adopting safety and health measures.

Ben Ellis from the National Farmers Union will outline success from a partnership approach in promoting farm safety in the UK. Health and Safety Authority (HSA) inspector Catherina Glancy will outline what is learned from accident investigations. Teagasc’s John McNamara will outline findings on adoption of safety and health measures by farmers from a national study. Ciaran Roche of FBD Insurance will outline strategies to promote safety and health measures.

The event is being organised by Teagasc and the HSA, in association with the Farm Safety Partnership. Bookings can be made by phoning 056-7721133, or visiting www.teagasc.ie.