Farm related accidents in the seven year period from 2005 to 2011 accounted for 677 beds days in Mayo General Hospital alone, according to Prof Kevin Barry, Consultant Surgeon with Mayo General Hospital.
Barry was speaking at a farm safety seminar organised by the National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO) in Claremorris, Co. Mayo, February 19 was attended by over 100 farmers.
At the meeting farmers also expressed concern over requirements for reducing the impact of pesticides in the environment (STRIPE).
NISO President, Pauric Corrigan, expressed hope that all farmers would take more care in 2015 after a disastrous year where 30 lives were lost in farming incidents in 2014.
The seminar was attended by a distinguished panel of six speakers who imparted their knowledge about accident causes, livestock, children, chemicals, traumas, hospital admissions, lone working, stress, insurance, risk assessments, statutory inspections and the shocking reality.
New farm safety scheme in 2015 (when RDP is approved)
A new farm safety scheme is set to be opened this year, subject to approval of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme.
The Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, said farm safety is a critical issue facing farming today and is something that he am seriously concerned about.
The Minister said that farm safety been identified as a priority area for investment under TAMS II and it is proposed that a new Farm Safety Scheme will be introduced in 2015, subject to EU Commission approval of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme.
