Five people have died in farming accidents between January and May of 2016 according to a recent report from The Agriculture and Food Development Authority, Teagasc. For the same period last year the number of deaths was 6 while in 2015 it was 12.

The fatal accident data states that 80% of deaths in the first five months of 2016 were caused while working with vehicles and machinery. The compiling of reports on each accident shows that a major cause of injuries and fatalities is being knocked-down or crushed by tractors and machinery.

The Teagasc Health and Safety Specialist, Dr John McNamara,has urged farmers to take extra care during this busy summer period.

“One death, or injury is one too many and a high state of vigilance is needed as the work season progresses and the school holidays approach. Farmers should also pay particular attention to parking tractors safely, applying the handbrake and lowering hydraulic equipment, to reduce the safety risk to themselves and others”.

The extremely sad instances of the accidental death of children on farms over the last 10 years were caused by incidents with tractors 75%, falls or collapses 17% and drowning 8%. On most farms children are an extra pair of hands during the summer so every family farm should have a safety plan.

Teagasc are holding a National Beef Open Day on Tuesday, 5th July at the Research and Innovation Centre, Grange, Co. Meath where a number of safety talks and demonstrations will be held.

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