In light of recent high profile farm fatalities, and reports showing farming to be the most dangerous occupation, MED in conjunction with the Agri-Rural Partnership hosted a Farmsafe Awareness Event in the Wark Hall, Belleek, on Thursday, September 5th. The course which was free to MED members was well attended and lasted approx. 2.5 hours. Welcome refreshments were served, and gave ample opportunity for discussion and questions. All agreed that any event that gives farmers a heightened awareness of Health and Safety is very worthwhile. It is possible that a similar event could be hosted in the near future if demand dictates.
Farming is a Potentially Dangerous Occupation !
Get Health and Safety Authority Information Here:
http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Publications_and_Forms/Publications/Agriculture_and_Forestry/
See the HSA Code of Practice for Preventing Injury and Occupational Ill Health in Agriculture Here:
www.hsa.ie/eng/…and…/Agriculture_and…/Code_of_Practice_Agri_.pdf
Check out Safety with Vechicles and Machinery on Page 17,
Safety with Livestock on Page 27,
Also in light of recent high profile fatal accidents;
Safety with Slurry Storage, and Poisoning with Organic Matter on Page 41
Farmers Encouraged to STOP and THINK
Farmers are being asked to support Northern Ireland’s first PTO Safety Week beginning on Monday, September 23.
The Farm Safety Partnership, in association with local farm machinery dealers, are organising the event to encourage farmers to STOP and THINK about the dangers of unguarded or poorly guarded PTOs and to remind them to protect themselves and others from serious or even fatal injury.
To support this latest farm safety drive, participating dealers will offer a discount on new PTO shaft guards purchased during the week.
HSENI officers will also embark on a programme of visits to farms across Northern Ireland to encourage famers to check their guards.
Looking forward to a successful first PTO week, Chairman of the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) George Lucas said, “On behalf of the Farm Safety Partnership I’d like to thank the participating dealers for their generosity and support for this potentially life-saving initiative.
“PTO shafts are dangerous and can rip off a limb or kill in seconds. However, HSENI officers continue to find many unguarded PTO shafts when visiting local farms – this is not acceptable. It’s important that farmers stop and think – ‘Is the PTO guard there and is it in good condition?’ before that hitch up.”
Deputy President of the Ulster Farmers’ Union Barclay Bell added, “I’d urge farmers to avail of this great opportunity to buy new PTO guards at discounted prices. Farmers should purchase good quality PTO guards – while some meet the minimum required standards they can be of inferior quality and offer poor value for money and limited protection.
“Farm safety must involve everyone connected to the farming industry and all of us need to play our part.”
More details about the initiative, including a list of the dealers involved in the scheme will be published for the start of PTO week.
If more dealers would like to participate in the discount scheme, they should contact the Ulster Farmers’ Union on: 028 9037 0222.
Accidents involving equipment such as PTOs is one of four areas targeted by the Farm Safety Partnership’s new farm safety campaign, ‘Stop and Think SAFE’.