The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) report, Risk Taking and Accidents on Irish Farms, is a joint venture by the ESRI and Health and Safety Authority (HSA), analysing the results of over 3,000 randomly chosen farmers from the HSA database of inspected farms from 2009 to 2013. Young farmers between the age of 18 and 34 were identified as the most likely age demographic to engage in risk-taking on the farm.

Speaking at the launch, Macra na Feirme national president James Healy said: ‘‘I would like to thank the ESRI and HSA for publishing such an informative report. Macra na Feirme has continually highlighted the risks that exist in farming through our various campaigns and we will continue to do so. Farming is a wonderful career but like everything in life, you must always think safety first and the fact that young farmers are most likely to take risks is concerning and Macra na Feirme will work towards changing that trend.’’

The report shows that young farmers are almost twice as likely to forego checking their machinery for faults or using a PTO guard compared with farmers aged 55 and over. Through the Macra na Feirme Young Farmer Skillnet Safe Agri Skills programme, the organisation aims to increase awareness and promote farm safety.

The programme consists of a variety of farm-related health and safety modules such as first aid, tractor/machinery safety, livestock handling and farm-risk management. After completing the course, participants are receive a Safe Agri Skills card as recognition of the safety training they have received. The aim of this card is to show that the farmer is aware of and takes necessary precautions against all safety threats on the farm.

Thomas Duffy, a member of Ramor Macra na Feirme in Cavan and vice-chair of the agricultural affairs committee, said: “Safety is essential to my farm. After my father had a near-miss involving a silage harvester when I was a child, I grew up with a good understanding of how dangerous simple farmyard machinery can be and how it needs to be respected. My own near-miss with a bull two years ago brought home to me how dangerous even normally placid stock can be. The Macra na Feirme Young Farmer Skillnet programme has a great effect in sharpening the mind on both simple and more complicated redesigns around the yard that reduce your exposure to risk in day-to-day running of the farm.”

James Healy concluded: ‘‘I would urge all young farmers to participate in the Macra na Feirme Young Farmer Skillnet Safe Agri Skills programme and become leaders in farm safety. Taking risks leads to more accidents in what already is the most dangerous occupation in Ireland. No one should take risks on a farm and I would urge all young farmers to think of the consequences a farm accident will not only have on themselves, but will have on their families, friends and loved ones.’’