Two farmers have died in separate farm accidents over the past number of days, a Garda spokesperson has confirmed to Agriland.
Last Thursday, July 28, the body of a farmer in his mid-50s was discovered on his farm in Levalley, Rathdowney, Co. Laois at 7.30pm.
It is understood that the farmer sustained fatal injuries after he got trapped between a tractor and another machine on the farm.
Gardai are also investigating the sudden death of a farmer in Co. Mayo. The body of the farmer was found on Mweelrea Mountain in Co.Mayo on Sunday, July 30 and a Garda spokesperson said he was pronounced dead at the scene.
It is believed that the farmer was moving sheep when he fell and sustained fatal injures.
These latest farm deaths bring to eight the number of people that have died on Irish farms this year. In June, a 28-year-old male died when he fell through roof he was standing on and died at the scene.
Last year, 18 people died in farming-related accidents on Irish farms.
According to the Health and Safety Authority, the fatality rate in agriculture is far higher than any other economic sector. A large proportion of all fatal workplace accidents occur in agriculture, even though a small proportion of the workforce is employed in farming.
The level of farm accidents is not decreasing. Similar accidents occur each year, with livestock, machinery and falls from heights three of the main causes of farm deaths.
