Farming fatalities almost doubled in 2008 - HSA

The number of workplace deaths fell by 15 per cent last year, although there was a significant increase in farming fatalities, according to new figures published today.

Data released by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) indicatest that there were 57 work-related deaths in 2008 compared to 67 in the preceding year.

However, the number of farming fatalities almost doubled to 21 during 2008.

The chief executive of the HSA Martin O'Halloran today described the rise in deaths in the agriculture as "shocking and unacceptable."

"This year over a third of all workplace deaths occurred on Irish farms. Tragically, they involved not just farmers themselves, but sometimes members of their family, including young children," said Mr O'Halloran.

In 2008 the authority carried out over 1,300 inspections on farms and launched a number of initiatives aimed at reducing accidents in the sector, the most recent of which was a new Farm Safety Action Plan.

The types of accidents which occurred in workplaces last year are similar in pattern to previous years and are primarily related to 'handling, lifting and carrying' and 'slips, trips and falls.'

Mr O'Halloran warned that while the country is going through a difficult economic period cutting corners in relation to safety and health "is not an option."

"Resources allocated to the safety, health and welfare of employees is a good investment which can lead directly to increased profits and reduced costs associated with lost production, absence from work, retraining, insurance premiums and compensation claims," said Mr O'Halloran.

Minister for Labour Affairs Billy Kelleher this afternoon called on all farmers to make safety and health a priority in 2009.

"While I am pleased at the overall reduction in workplace deaths, we need to see significant improvements in the agriculture sector," he said.

"Farmers must make safety and health part of their daily working lives. I want everyone in farming when they are going about any task to take a few minutes to assess any risks and to take preventative action," he added.