In the same week as National Farm Safety Day, two farm deaths have occurred, including the death of Offaly’s U-21 manager Dermot Hogan.
Dermot died following a fall when painting on a farm near Coolderry, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary. The 43 year old farmer was working on the family farm when the fall happened.
He is the second person to die in farm accidents last week after a teenager died in Co. Limerick after his quad bike collied with a tractor cutting hedges. Kenneth Ryan, who was 17, died at the scene near Pallasgreen.
The death of Dermot Hogan brings to 16 the number of people killed in farming related accidents this year. Last year 16 people died in farming related accidents.
Speaking about the overall situation in relation to farm safety, Martin O’Halloran, the CEO of the HSA says that while agriculture is recognised as a hazardous occupation, many of the dangers can be reduced by means of prevention: “The rate of fatal and serious accidents on farms is disproportionately high when you consider the numbers employed. Children and older people are particularly at risk.
“The causes have been consistent, in that the majority involve tractors and machinery, followed by livestock and then drowning or being overcome by gas. We know that the risks can be drastically reduced by working through and implementing our farm safety risk assessment document. Farmers are required to do this and to have a safety statement, it does take time, it might cost some money but I believe it is the best investment a farmer can make.”
