Farm deaths increased by 87% in 2014, with 30 people killed compared to 16 in 2013. Cork was the county with the highest number of fatalities at six deaths. Tractors accounted for 18 fatal accidents.

The number of farm deaths in 2014 was the highest in over 20 years and it is the fifth year that the agriculture sector has recorded the highest number of work related fatalities.

Martin O’Halloran, CEO of the HSA, said that it was a horrific year.

“In May of 2014 alone there were five people killed. It is particularly tragic that five children lost their lives on Irish farms last year,” he said.

This month saw the introduction of stricter farm safety rules, with farmers facing prosecution for the following:

• Carrying a child under the age of seven in the cab of a tractor or any agricultural machine.

• Should any part of a PTO shaft be found to be uncovered; and

• If any access point to a slurry pit is uncovered.