2017 a horrific year for farm safety

Farm Safety Week, which runs from 24 to 28 July, is supported by the Health and Safety Authority of Ireland (HSA), the Farm Safety Foundation, the IFA, Farm Safety Partnerships, the Health and Safety Executive UK and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland.

Each day of the week will focus on a different theme including:

Figures released by the Health and Safety Authority highlight that 214 people have died on Irish farms since 2007, with almost half of these attributed to farm vehicles and machinery.

In addition, out of the 2,000 inspections carried out by the HSA this year, 53% of inspections resulted in some form of enforcement from authorities.

A bad year so far

Agriculture is Ireland’s most dangerous occupation and 2017 seems to be continuing the trend as 14 lives were lost during the first seven months of the year, up from seven fatalities in early July 2016.

Also concerning is the age breakdown of deaths this year, with 70% of victims over the age of 60. Of the 14 deaths this year, 11 involved farm vehicles and machinery, while three were attributed to livestock.

The fatalities in 2017 ranged in age from one year old to 87 years old, with crush-caused fatalities attributed to eight of the farm deaths.

Farm safety has been raised to the forefront of Irish agriculture this week, with leaders in farm safety including the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, IFA president Joe Healy and HSA chief executive Martin O’Halloran all coming together to encourage farmers to be extra safe and vigilant.

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The economy and age factors in farm deaths

Full coverage of Farm Safety Week 2017