The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is to target 2,000 farm inspections in 2018, the Irish Farmers Journal can reveal.

A HSA spokesperson said that the authority has been able to recruit more inspectors so there is a chance it will surpass the 2,000 target.

“We will continue to engage with discussion groups in 2018, so we will be aiming to influence a further 2,000 farmers through those initiatives.

The HSA’s plans for 2018 will also include new guidance for farmers on preventing cow attacks and machinery crush injuries.

“It is important to state that inspections are important but they are part of a mix of approaches that we are taking to improve safety and health on farms,” the spokesperson said.

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