THE HEALTH and Safety Authority (HSA) has begun an inspection campaign on farms following the deaths of five people in the first quarter of the year.
This is half the total of workplace deaths recorded in the three months to the end of March. A sixth person was killed in the forestry sector.
Only 6 per cent of the overall workforce is employed in farming, which means the fatality rate in the sector is disproportionately high when compared to other sectors of employment.
The inspections which will continue for a fortnight will be aimed at reducing the number of accidents resulting in injury and death.Last year there were 21 deaths and nearly 2,000 injuries in the farming sector, a fatality rate that accounted for 40 per cent of all workplace deaths.
In 2007 there were 11 farm deaths, while in 2006 and 2005 the number was 18. In 2004 there were 13 deaths, in 2003, 20 people died, and in 2002, 14 people were killed on farms here.
A study of the causes of accidents by the HSA and Teagasc showed most involve tractors/ machinery (49 per cent), followed by livestock (15 per cent), falls (12 per cent) and drowning (12 per cent).
“The vast majority of these accidents involve machinery of some sort and are usually due to poor maintenance, hurried or incorrect use,” said Pat Griffin, senior inspector with the HSA.
“If farmers were to address even this one key issue, they would be going a long way towards making their farms a safe place to work.
Mr Griffin investigates most of the accidents in the sector.
He said the vast majority of farm accidents were preventable, and farmers should take the assistance offered by the various advisory services available through Teagasc and the HSA.
“Our inspectors visit farms all over the country checking for compliance, providing advice and taking enforcement action where necessary,” he said at the announcement of the inspection campaign, which will continue for a fortnight.
“I would encourage farmers to engage with inspectors in a positive and constructive manner, to ask questions and act on any advice given. We will assist anyone who is serious about making their farm a safer place to work and live.”