FARM SAFETY:NEW FARM safety guidelines were launched at the championships by Minister of State for Labour Affairs Dara Calleary, to try to combat a poor safety record which has seen 20 deaths on Irish farms to date this year.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) developed the guidelines with the support of the major farming groups which had been called together by Mr Calleary as farm deaths increased.
The Minister of State said the year’s statistics so far were a “sharp reminder that the farming community must make safety the top priority”.
“Twenty people have died so far this year on Irish farms making them the most dangerous workplaces in terms of fatalities,” said the Minister.
One of the keys to getting the “change in culture” required was the engagement of the farming organisations, which had a presence in virtually every parish in the country, he added.
Mr Calleary said he was delighted key figures in the farming community had responded to the call and were showing leadership required to bring about long-lasting change.
“I recognise the culture change will not happen overnight and we will have to keep delivering the message and providing simple practical support and guidance to help people farm more safely.”
HSA chief executive Martin O’Halloran said his organisation’s focus was on helping farmers to understand and address the key risks and hazards.
“So far this year, roughly half of all farm deaths have involved tractors or machinery and the next most hazardous activity generally tends to be livestock handling.”
The authority has a major stand at the championships showing farmers how to protect themselves and their families and there are demonstrations and films to reinforce the points made.
Irish Farmers’ Association president John Bryan welcomed the Taoiseach’s announcement on Government action to reduce costs for business. He said this time the Government initiative must materialise into real action which could be felt by farming and other businesses struggling to survive through this recession.
He said the IFA had put forward concrete proposals to the Government on how costs could be reduced in the farming sector and he hoped these would be acted on, and the Government should publish its plans and set out very short timelines to deliver reduced costs.
PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS COMPETITION RESULTS
SENIOR HORSE
1. Gerry King, Louth
2. JJ Delaney, Cork East
3. Benny Moen, Monaghan
FURROW VINTAGE MOUNTED
1. Moss Fleming, Cork East
2. John McBryde, Offaly
FARMERETTE CONVENTIONAL
1. Bernadette Nolan, Wexford
2. Rachel O'Driscoll, Cork West
3. Sinéad Hayes, Cork East
More results tomorrow