Simon Coveney launches farm safety programme

A new farm safety programme “Safe Family Farms” was launched by Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney on Wednesday.

The partnership between the Irish Farmers Journal and ESB Networks aims to deliver the safety message to prevent further injuries and accidents on Irish farms.

So far this year, 15 people have lost their lives on Irish farms, with 30 fatal incidents in 2014.

This accounts for 54 per cent of all fatal workplace accidents in Ireland, while only 6 per cent of the Irish population works on farms.

The Irish Farmers Journal and ESB Networks have come together to promote best practice at farm level and will be running the Safe Family Farms page on a weekly basis in the Irish Farmers Journal.

They will also run quarterly farm safety videos that will raise awareness around farm safety at farm level.

The partnership will also promote best practice in farm safety at events such as the Tullamore Show and the National Ploughing Championships.

Chief executive and editor of the Irish Farmers Journal Justin McCarthy said: "Farming is core to Ireland's success as a nation. It is a fun and enjoyable place to grow up, work and raise a family. The family farm should be treated with respect, not fear. We need discipline to segregate how the farm yard is a place of work and a place for family. Sadly, there has been all too many tragic accidents and lives lost on Irish farms over the past decade."