Farming is now the most dangerous profession, a recent seminar hosted by the National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO) in Castlebar was told.

Pat Griffith, senior inspector with the Safety Authority, told the crowd that in 2013 there were 16 deaths in the agricultural industry, four of which were children and five were over 65.

He told the group that one of the biggest risk factors is that most farmers are lone workers and are often fatigued, and it is often the case that prices are too low to justify hiring in help. Pat said that the thing that most has to be changed on farms is risky behaviour.

He told farmers that when an inspection is carried out, the inspector will take account of risk factors and advise the farmers of the risks present and allow them to rectify these. He urged farmers to undergo a risk assessment on the farm, and highlighted that on online risk assessment is now available online.

FBD risk manager Ciaran Roche said farmers should ensure they have adequate cover in place to protect themselves from financial hardship.

He urged them to ensure they have employers’ liability, public liability and personal accident cover.

Any farmer employing even casual farm labour should have employers’ liability Insurance. He emphasised that in the event of a claim, your assets or farm may be at risk if you do not have it.

Insurance rate

The insurance rate is based on the pages. He told farmers that at the entrance from public roads, they should have a sign up saying no un-authorised entry.

He said that farmers who have had fallen trees that damage neighbours’ property may be covered under their public liability insurance, providing the tree was in a healthy condition prior to the accident.

In terms of child safety, he said that only children over seven are legally permitted to be in a tractor, and must be in a seat with a seat belt.