Figures released by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) to the Irish Farmers Journal for Farm Safety Week 2017, show that of the near 200 deaths on farms almost half (95) were as a result of tractors, farm vehicles and machinery.

Livestock was the next highest cause of death with 26, or 13%.

Falls from a height and drowning or the inhalation of gas have been the reason for 19 deaths each between 2006 and 2017.

These figures do not take into account the 14 people who died on farms in 2017.

The most dangerous occupation

Despite representing just 5% of the overall workforce, agriculture continues to be Ireland’s most dangerous occupation.

A study carried out by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and published in May found that farming had a fatality rate of 10 times the average across all occupation.

Stark statistics

Leaders in farm safety including the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, IFA president Joe Healy and HSA chief executive Martin O’Halloran have all come together to encourage farmers be extra safe and vigilant this week.

“We must all take personal responsibility for safety on our farms. There have been far too many fatal accidents on farms in 2017. While there are many risks in farming, farming does not have to be a dangerous occupation. Behavioural change is what is required to prevent many accidents,” Minister Creed said.

“Farm Safety Week is about confronting farmers with the realities behind the statistics, making them realise that they could, in fact, be the next statistic unless they take safety measures and change their work practices. The message we want to get out there is simple - always think safety first.” Joe Healy said.

“All too often, accidents happen on our farms that are preventable, so we want to continue to raise awareness for everyone working on, or visiting, a working farm. The HSA is committed to working with our partners on initiatives like Farm Safety Week to inform their activities and drive forward improvements in safety performance.” Martin O’Halloran said.

You can follow the full coverage of Farm Safety Week 2017 on www.farmersjournal.ie all this week as well as in this Thursday's Irish Farmers Journal.

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