The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN) have joined forces to appeal for child safety on farms to be made a priority ahead of the summer holidays.

“Farm accidents have claimed the lives of 21 children in the last decade and account for 10% of all farm fatalities over the period.

“Farms remain the only workplace in Ireland where children still continue to die,” a joint statement from the organisations said.

Website

Parents and concerned individuals can visit the HSA’s website to pick up tips and guidelines to help maintain a safe environment for children.

Business and education support manager with the HSA Joanne Harmon said teachers could also get involved.

“The HSA’s e-learning portal also hosts a short course entitled ‘Keep Safe on the Farm’ which can be found at http://hsalearning.ie,” she said.

“This is aimed at primary school children and comes with teachers’ guidelines and is linked to the SPHE curriculum."

Listen: almost two-thirds of farmers stressed

Tractor safety must be a top priority

HSA appeals for child safety on farms

Some 21 children have lost their lives on farms over the past decade.