Following the release of fatal accident data, which showed that 80% of deaths in the first five months of 2016 were associated with farm vehicles and machinery, Teagasc is calling on farmers to take more caution when working with, or near farm tractors, vehicles or machinery.

So far in 2016, five people have lost their lives in farm accidents, compared to six in total in 2015, and twelve in 2014.

Speaking at this busy time of the year on farms, Teagasc health and safety specialist John McNamara said that one death or injury is one too many, and a high state of vigilance is needed as the busy summer work season progresses and the school holidays approach.

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"Reversing the recent trend of farm deaths, due to knock-downs or being crushed by tractors and machinery, will only be achieved by strong farmer vigilance. Farmers should also pay particular attention to parking tractors safely, applying the handbrake and lowering hydraulic equipment, to reduce the safety risk to themselves and others," he said.

McNamara also called for high vigilance when using power driven machinery due to the possibility of gruesome entanglement fatalities and injuries.

"All power shaft and machine guards need to be kept in place and the power must always be switched off before approaching a machine," he said.

The Teagasc specialist also called for greater vigilance on farms related to the safety of children as school holidays approach. Over the last 10 years, he said, fatal accidents involving children were associated with tractors (75%), falls or collapses (17%), and drowning (8%).

Safety exhibit planned for Beef 2016

A major practical health and safety exhibit will take place as part of the Teagasc National Beef Open Day on Tuesday 5 July at the Research and Innovation Centre in Grange, Co Meath. Further information is available here.

Fire safety

Bord na Móna and the Fire Service are warning that the countryside is exposed to a high risk of fire at this time of the year. This risk has increased because of the recent spell of hot and dry weather, and will be further exacerbated during the bank holiday weekend when more people will enjoy outdoor activities.

"Fire puts the lives of the people who have to fight them at risk, as well as causing major damage to property, wild life and habitats. Bord na Móna and the Fire Service reminds the public that it is illegal to set fires in growing vegetation between 1 March and 28 August.

"Fires in the countryside can start easily and spread rapidly and pose a threat to people's lives, homes and property. These fires are also responsible for the deaths of many species of wildlife.

"Bord na Móna would also like to remind everyone enjoying the outdoors to refrain from lighting fires and to take care when disposing of lit cigarettes or other similar materials. We would also ask that anyone witnessing a fire on any area of bog or peatland to immediately alert the Gardaí and the Fire Service," they said.

Read more

To read more about farm safety, click here.