Safety to the fore at FTMTA Grass and Muck 2016

This year’s event sees the Irish Farmers Journal and ESB Networks and the FTMTA, join forces to deliver a real life safety demonstration.

4 July 2016

Safety to the fore at FTMTA Grass and Muck 2016

Planning the Safety Demonstration from L-R is Lindsay Sharpe ESB Networks, Padraig Foley Farmers Journal, Emer Murphy ESB Networks and Gary Ryan FTMTA

Safe Family Farms.

The Safe Family Farms initiative launched last year by ESB Networks and the Irish Farmers Journal has been delivering key safety advice on a weekly basis to over 250,000 readers. The programme aims to make the family farm a safer place in which to work by engaging with as many people as possible and encouraging all family members to talk about farm safety. By identifying the potential sources of danger and implementing proper controls, accidents are avoidable and injuries are preventable.

The Safe Family Farms initiative launched last year by ESB Networks and the Irish Farmers Journal has been delivering key safety advice on a weekly basis to over 250,000 readers.

The programme aims to make the family farm a safer place in which to work by engaging with as many people as possible and encouraging all family members to talk about farm safety. By identifying the potential sources of danger and implementing proper controls, accidents are avoidable and injuries are preventable.

The next step in this campaign is to bring the safety message to national events such as the FTMTA’s Grass & Muck, where 10,000 visitors are expected this year.

FTMTA CEO Gary Ryan emphasised the importance of remaining vigilant to the risks in farming and in particular machines. Commenting on the demonstration, Gary said: “The FTMTA is delighted to support any campaign targeted at improving farm safety, reducing the risks of serious injury or fatalities.” Arthur Byrne, public safety manager with ESB Networks, said: “ESB Networks is delighted to interact with the public at events like this, and welcomes all visitors to attend the demo. Electricity is all around the workplace and farming is no different.”

The aim of the demonstration and discussion is to highlight safe farming practices around electricity and ESB Network lines. The three main demos are:

1. The static display of a hedgecutter working on a hedge, a typical scenario encountered every day. The purpose is to highlight the potential danger of coming in contact with an ESB Network post and stay in the hedge while at work.

2. The uses of high-reach farm machinery in the yard. The possible contact with overhead wires with loaders and trailers.

3. What should people report to the ESB Networks, and how to contact ESB Networks when an accident happens.

The proposed demo will run four times during the day – at 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 4.00pm. Each demo will last about 20 minutes. Expert staff from ESB Networks and the Irish Farmers Journal will be there to answer any questions and take on any advice that is offered by the public on improving farm safety.

Tips for staying safe on the farm

Typical farm machinery can easily reach or come close to overhead electricity wires. Operating tall machinery such as forage harvesters, combine harvesters, tipping trailers and moving high loads near overhead electricity wires are high-risk activities.

WATCH OUT for overhead electricity wires.

STEER CLEAR of electricity poles and stays.

Remember electricity can jump gaps, so always keep a safe distance. Electricity wires are NEVER safe to touch.

Always farm safely with electricity by remaining vigilant and being aware of electricity wires.

Report any incident or damage immediately to ESB Networks, using the company’s 24/7 emergency number: 1850 372 999.

To read the full Grass and Muck Magazine click here.