Over 25 local farmers attended a workshop organised by Mayobridge Development Group which offered practical awareness covering the everyday hazards faced by the farming industry.xa0
Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Irish economy and the fatality rate in agriculture is far higher than any other economic sector. xa0
xa0SDLP Crotlieve Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick said:xa0 “In 2016/17 workplace fatalities were up 33% to 16 compared to 12 in the previous year. xa0Sadly, farming remains Northern Ireland’s most dangerous industry with another six families devastated in 2016/17. Whilst this is the same figure as 2015/16, I am afraid that six farming families have already suffered similar heartache to date in 2017/18.
“Unfortunately research indicates that, in general, farmers’ attitudes to safety only change after serious injury occurs.xa0Indeed on the day of the workshop a farmer in Tipperary had died in an accident on a farm, It is understood he was loading bales of hay prior to the accident.”
The workshop offered a mix of real life stories, up-to-date information and a practical understanding of on farm risks, and how to identify them and how to manage them. xa0The training covers the four main dangers associated with working on a farm, Slurry (S) Animals (A) Falls (F) and Equipment (E).
Cllrxa0Fitzpatrick added: “These risks can be largely dealt with by raising awareness, making small improvements and realistically adopting safer practices. Everyone involved in farming should be either made aware or know of the risks and know how to keep themselves and others safe.”xa0
Workshops also introduced farmers to the new construction requirements and raised awareness of the ‘Making it Safer’ tool.xa0
xa0There is another Workshop taking place in Hilltown onxa014 March.
Toxa0register for one of the scheduled workshops please visit:
xa0www.cafre.ac.uk/industry-support/farm-family-key-skills/xa0
or alternatively contact the RDC onxa0028 8676 6980xa0for more information.xa0
