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The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) will not hesitate to take robust action where it can identify the individuals, and employers concerned, who are taking part in pranks on farm machinery and videoing them for social media.
Assistant chief executive with the HSA Mark Cullen said the antics of the farm workers is these videos is shocking.
“Not only is there a complete lack of even the most basic safety precautions, there is a complete lack of common sense and total disregard for their own safety and the safety of those around them.
“It’s only pure luck that some of these individuals have not been seriously injured or killed. Farmers and contractors must take a zero-tolerance approach with this type of behaviour and make it clear to farm workers that under no circumstances is it acceptable.
“The workers themselves need to seriously reflect on their actions and consider the consequences for themselves and their families if a serious incident occurred,” he said.
‘Grossly irresponsible’
IFA president Tim Cullinan has hit out at people who are recording pranks with farm machinery for uploading on the TikTok social media app.
He said the practice is “grossly irresponsible and is an accident waiting to happen”.
“I am disgusted that people could be so casual and have no regard for the dangers involved in what they are doing,” he said.
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