The number of farm accidents has soared this year to a point where the Health and Safety Authority fears it could become a record year for farm deaths.
Already this year, 11 people have lost their lives in farm-related accidents, only two less than were killed on farms in the whole of 2002.
June was dubbed "a black month" following three fatal accidents in the month. There were no June deaths recorded last year.
Mr Tom Beegan, the Health and Safety Authority's chief executive, said that farmers in Cork, Westmeath and Mayo had lost their lives on farms during the month of June - in a year when it was likely farm deaths would increase over last year.
Since the beginning of this month, one man has died in a farm accident in Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon. This accident is currently being investigated by Health and Safety officers.
According to Mr Beegan, there was a startling increase in the number of farming-related deaths in the first half of 2003. The six-month figures show that 11 people had lost their lives.
In the same period in 2002, the number of deaths on Irish farms was four and the total for the year was 13.
"It appears that unless safety precautions are strictly adhered to by farmers for the rest of the year, it is quite likely that fatalities in the sector will far exceed our worst fears this year.
"The authority is extremely worried by this trend and has joined forces with all major farming organisations in a bid to ensure 2003 does not become a record year for farm deaths," he said.
Mr Frank Laffey of Teagasc, chairman of the Farm Safety Action Group, said the increase in farm fatalities was another wake-up call for the community to remind them of the absolute necessity to make safety a priority on the farm.
"The fear now is that with an increase in farm activity during the summer and with children on holidays, the potential for further casualties is heightened," he said.
"We are appealing to those involved in farming to be extremely vigilant in order to reverse this trend. Farmers need to take action to improve safety standards on their farms if we are to avoid further tragic deaths," he said.
He went on to urge farmers to avail of the help and support available from many organisations to improve safety levels.