Ulster Farmers’ Union president, Ivor Ferguson says farm safety continues to be a top priority for the UFU and is encouraging farmers to remember to stop and think safe when working.
The comments were made following the publication of the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland’s (HSENI) annual report, which showed an overall decrease in workplace deaths. But sadly farm related fatalities increased by one with seven deaths in the 2017-2018 period.
“Even one death on a farm is too many. Farmers must always remember put their safety, and the safety of others on the farm, first. Sadly, slurry, animals, falls, and equipment continue to account for the majority of farm accidents and farmers have a huge role to play in ensuring that their farm is a safe place to work,” said Mr Ferguson.
The UFU is a member of the Farm Safety Partnership and Ferguson said the message was simple. “Farms are busy workplaces and sometimes we find ourselves in a race against time or the weather. However, I would urged all farmers to take a minute and stop to think about safety. A farm accident or fatality is every farming family’s worst nightmare. We can all take simple steps to keep ourselves and others safe on the farm,” said the UFU president.