Over 250 farms will recieve a full farm safety inspection over the next two weeks in a major Health and Safety Authority (HSA) initiative. The escalated level of visits are a main pillar of Farm Safety Fortnight, which began last Tuesday (22 April) and runs until 6 May.

Last weekend, Donegal farmer Patrick Crumlish became the seventh on-farm fatality so far this year (see page 18). In 2013, 16 people lost their lives in the farming and forestry sectors. One quarter were children. While this is a shocking statistic, it was only the second time since 2008 that less than 20 fatalities occurred. In addition, thousands of non-fatal accidents cause injury on farms.

The main areas of focus of Farm Safety Fortnight will be safe slurry handling, ensuring machinery is properly maintained and guarded (PTOs), good livestock handling and loading facilities, ensuring farmyards and building are in good repair and electrical equipment is to the correct standard.

As part of the fortnight, Minister Simon Coveney launched a DVD on safe handling of slurry.

“When dealing with something that is as lethal as slurry gas, we must do everything in our power to minimise the risks and protect family, workers and animals alike,” he said.

Entitled Slurry Gas: The Silent Invisible Killer on Irish Farms, the DVD was produced as a joint venture between the Health and Safety Authority and Irish Rural Link.

The footage shows how toxic gases released during slurry agitation can kill instantly. In a powerful testimonial, Galway farmer Noel Tierney talks about the day in 1993 when his son Fergal died trying to save him after he himself was overcome by slurry gases. The DVD also outlines advice on safe slurry handling, measures to avoid exposure to the lethal gases and steps to be taken to prevent drowning.

FBD has also filmed farm safety advice, with Sean O’Brien their brand ambassador highlighting a variety of the common on-farm dangers that lurk in every yard (available on Youtube).