Children’s art and stories feature in book on farm safety

As many as 86 children have contributed to a new children's book on farm safety launched today by Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney.

Only a Giant Can Lift a Bull is a mix of stories and artwork, all aiming to raise awareness of farm safety. It will be sent to every primary school and county library in the State by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in a bid to reduce the number of deaths on farms.

Four children were among the 16 deaths on farms this year. Mr Coveney said the children’s stories and art showed how great farming life was - but also how dangerous farms could be. “And many have witnessed their parents, grandparents and others take risks and suffer the awful consequences,” he said.

“I am calling on farmers to take more responsibility, and stop taking unnecessary risks, for their own sake and for the sake of the next generation.”

HSA chief executive Martin O’Halloran said the 86 children who contributed were among 9,500 children who entered in the farm safety competition.

“ Their stories are funny, moving and life-affirming. Some have written about lessons learnt the hard way. It’s time now to heed this new generation,” he said. “I would appeal directly to all adults working on farms, particularly parents and grandparents, to think about the example they are showing to children and young people and to always find a way to work safely.

“We need to see a change of mindset amongst some farmers now, to ensure we don’t create a new generation of risk-takers in farming.”