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Irish Health and Safety Authority chief concerned at fatality rate in agriculture
There have been 43 work-related deaths so far this year, almost a third of those occurring in the agriculture sector, according to a statement released by the Health and Safety Authority today (Friday 15th August). Although the overall rate of fatal accidents has decreased across all sectors compared to this time last year, the agriculture sector is experiencing a substantial increase in farm-related deaths compared to 2007.
According to Martin O’Halloran, Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority, “Tragically there have been 43 workplace fatalities so far this year. At this time last year there were 46, so at this stage we are looking at an overall reduction and the Authority welcomes that. However, the situation in the agriculture sector is unacceptable.”
Of the 43 workplace fatalities this year, 30% (13) have occurred in agriculture. In total there were 11 fatalities in the sector in 2007 so with over four months remaining in 2008, last year’s figures have already been exceeded.
The Health and Safety Authority distributed a farm safety code of practice to every farmer in the country at the end of 2006 and saw immediate decreases in farm-related fatalities in 2007. According to Martin O’Halloran, “The reduction we saw in 2007 has now been reversed and 13 families have already experienced tragedy this year in the farming community. No farming job is more important than the health and safety of farmers and their families and I would strongly urge all concerned, including farming organisations and representatives, to put health and safety at the top of their priorities.”
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