Farmers are nine times more likely to be killed at work compared with the national average, figures from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) show.

The fatality rate per 100,000 workers is estimated at 14.5, compared with the national figure of 1.6 per 100,000.

Farm fatalities decreased by 40% in 2018. In total, 15 people died in farm-related accidents last year, compared with 25 in 2017.

“Although farming has also seen a very strong improvement in 2018, 15 fatalities, which represents 41% of total fatalities, is still far too many for a sector that employs just 6% of the workforce,” said Sharon McGuinness, CEO of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

Decline

Overall, 37 people were killed in work-related accidents in 2018, a decline of 23% on 2017.

After farming, the next highest sector is construction, with five deaths in 2018 (14% of the total).

Teagasc health and safety specialist Dr John McNamara called on farmers to give safety first priority during January and the busy spring period in 2019.

He said that the risk of farm accidents rises with increased work activity and prevention is strongly associated with implementing behavioural practices.

Safety statements

The Farm Safety Code of Practice was revised in July 2017 and the 18-month changeover period has now expired. All farm safety statements must have been updated as of 31 December 2018.

Old code documents are identifiable by their white cover.

The new codes have a green cover and are available to download from www.farmsafely.com.

The IFA is to roll out a peer-to-peer discussion group model for farm safety in 2019.

Its health and safety executive William Shortall said the aim was to encourage farmers to take practical measures to reduce risk on their own farms.