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The dangers associated with confined spaces on farms are highlighted in a new publication by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), which was launched by Minister of State for Trade Pat Breen at the Ploughing.
“Farming is still the most dangerous job in Ireland with 207 farming fatalities in the last decade (2009-2018),” he said.
“I would urge all those working on farms to read the HSA’s new publication and to familiarise themselves with the dangers of working in confined spaces.”
There have been nine deaths in confined spaces on Irish farms in the last five years. The HSA compiled this new publication to help farmers identify confined spaces and to warn farmers of the possible risks of exposure to dangerous gases.
HSA CEO Dr Sharon McGuinness said: “Confined spaces such as silos, vats, tanks, wells, slurry pits and other enclosed or partly enclosed structures, can very quickly lead to suffocation and death if a person is exposed to dangerous vapours, toxic gases, dust or low oxygen levels.”
The HSA is providing live safety demonstrations at the Ploughing Championships on key issues to help reduce farm fatalities and injuries.
Copies of the new Confined Spaces in Agriculture publication will be freely available at the HSA exhibit at (Block 2, Row 21, Stand 462), or can be downloaded from the HSA website.
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