Minister: 'Vital' to check tractors and machinery before work begins
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon has urged farmers to prioritise safety around tractors and machinery.
The minister has added his support to Tractor Safety Week which takes place this week.
The initiative is a collaborative campaign run by the Health and Safety Authority's (HSA’s) Farm Safety Partnership.
Tractors
Tractors remain central to farm work but continue to be associated with serious and fatal incidents, according to the HSA.
In the last 10 years, 38 fatalities involving tractors on farms were recorded, while vehicle-related incidents remain the leading cause of work-related fatalities in the agriculture sector.
This week's campaign encourages everyone to consider the risks associated with operating tractors and machinery.
Welcoming the campaign, Minister Heydon noted that tractors and machinery account for almost half of all fatal incidents on farms.
"It is important that everyone involved in farming is reminded of the importance of keeping tractor safety to the fore as they go about their work," he said.
Minister Heydon said there has been an average of almost 18 fatal incidents per year on Irish farms over the past decade.
He said that in the same 10-year period, eight children have died in farm incidents, all involving farm vehicles.
"Tragically, there were 25 fatal incidents on farms last year, double the number in the previous year with two confirmed fatal farm incidents this year.
"There are approximately 4,500 non-fatal incidents each year on Irish farms, some of which result in life-changing injuries," he said.
Safety
Minister Heydon is urging farmers to prioritise their safety while they work.
"We must accept that there is no justification for taking chances when it comes to farm safety, particularly with tractors and machinery as the consequences can be tragic.
"Poor safety practices on farms must become socially unacceptable.
"It is vital that tractors and machinery are checked each morning before work begins. Taking five minutes to carry out basic simple checks is time well spent.
"By identifying and addressing any wear and tear or damage, a farmer could prevent a serious incident," he said.
The Farm Safety Partnership has produced a tractor safety video which provides details on essential tractor safety checks.
Supports
Minister Heydon also emphasised his department’s commitment in supporting farmers to invest in their safety.
"I am asking farmers to consider supports available under department schemes for investment in equipment which will help make their work environment safer.
"Under TAMS 3, 60% grant aid is available for equipment such as silage bale slicers and wheel-changing equipment while Accelerated Capital Allowances are available for equipment such as big bag lifters and quick hitch mechanisms," he said.
