IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs Chairwoman Maura Canning has hit out strongly at the rule changes as the allow for farmers to be directly prosecuted without warning.
Upcoming rule changes mean that farmers can be prosecuted if they have a child under seven in the cab of the tractor or fail to have all access points to a slurry pit or the PTO shaft covered.
Canning also hit out at the fact that the rule changes have occurred without consultation with the Farm Safety Partnership.
“The decision to introduce these new rules without consultation or notification shows a complete disrespect for the agricultural partners”, said Mrs. Canning. “I am very disappointed that the HSA would introduce any changes without consulting the Farm Safety Partnership, which was established by the HSA as an advisory committee on the Agricultural sector”.
Mrs. Canning said that research has consistently shown the best way to improve farm safety is to change behavioural habits of farmers through education and training. Threatening prosecution does not reduce farm accidents or fatalities.
It is the IFA’s position that the agricultural partners on the Farm Safety Partnership must have an opportunity to discuss the merit or otherwise of any proposed changes to farm safety and its overall benefit to improving farm safety practices. IFA has sought an urgent meeting with the HSA.
(Source – Irish Farmers Journal – Maura Fay – 17/11/2014)