6th August 2014

ICSA has extended sympathy to the families of the children who have recently lost their lives in farm accidents.

“Statistics show that farming is one of the most dangerous occupations in terms of accidents and fatalities,” said Connaught/Ulster Vice-Chairman John Flynn. “Older people and children are the two most at-risk groups, and at this time of year, with schools closed and the harvest underway, there is extra pressure on parents to ensure that the farm is a safe place.”

“Young children particularly should be kept away from dangers like machinery and livestock. The HSA’s Code of Practice on Preventing Accidents to Children and Young Persons makes a number of recommendations, including the provision of a safe and secure play area away from farm activities. However, we can’t lose sight of the fact that the farm is a home as well as a workplace. Low farm incomes, particularly in the drystock sector, have forced many spouses into off-farm employment, and in the summer months, many farmers have the added responsibility of caring for children on top of running the farm.”