HSA launches new farm safety campaign
73 people have died in vehicle-related incidents on farms in the past ten years.
THE Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has begun a new national farm safety inspection campaign, focusing on the safe use of work vehicles on farms.
Vehicle-related incidents continue to be the leading cause of work-related fatalities in the agriculture sector and the HSA is urging farmers and contractors to plan work carefully and take steps to protect themselves and others when using tractors, machinery, quad bikes and other vehicles. Seventy-three people have died in vehicle-related incidents on farms in the past ten years.
Senior agriculture inspector with the HSA, Ger Hartnett, said the priority for his organisation is to remind farmers that “most serious injuries and fatalities involving tractors and machinery are preventable.
“Operators need to be adequately trained and competent and essential maintenance, especially on braking, steering, hitching systems and vehicle visibility, must be carried out before work begins,” said Mr Hartnett.
The HSA is also stressing to farmers the dangers posed when children, elderly family members or bystanders are present near farm vehicles or machinery.
The inspection campaign will place a strong emphasis on the safe use of quad bikes and other all-terrain vehicles (ATV), reminding farmers that proper training, maintenance and helmet use are essential.
During the campaign, HSA inspectors will be checking that farmers and contractors have: planned work activities in advance; ensured all drivers and operators are trained and competent; checked that brakes, handbrakes and parking brakes are fully functional; maintained cabs, doors, steps and access points in good condition; clean, undamaged and properly adjusted mirrors; appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) for all operators; and organised work to prevent children and vulnerable individuals from entering work areas.
Mr Hartnett added: “Farmers can significantly reduce their risk of serious injury by taking time to plan ahead, particularly during the busy spring period. We are asking all farmers and contractors to complete their farm safety risk assessment and to put the correct controls in place.”
For further information on farm vehicle and machinery safety, visit www.hsa.ie/farmsafety.
