Vol. 567 No. 3
74 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farm accidents and deaths known to his Department since the beginning of 2003; the objectives of the new Farm Safety Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13978/03]
Statistics in relation to on farm accidents are published on an annual basis by various bodies. To date in 2003 my Department is aware of seven on-farm accidents, which resulted in death. Information is not yet available from the Health and Safety Authority, HSA, in relation to on-farm accidents that have not resulted in death in 2003. This information is being compiled by the HSA at present and should be available shortly.
The farm action safety plan was launched by the HSA at the beginning of their farm action safety week, which commenced on Monday, 7 April.
The plan sets out a programme which covers the period 2003-06 and its main objectives are as follows: to reduce on farm accidents to below 2,000 per annum; to reduce on farm deaths by at least 50% over a five year period; to reduce health problems associated with farming, for example back and respiratory problems by at least 50% over a five year period; to introduce health and safety training for farmers, farm workers and students at second and third level; to ensure that all primary schools show and discuss the contents of the Childsafe video and CD-ROM prior to school holidays; that a minimum of 1,000 farm inspections be carried out by HSA inspectors each year; that farm safety promotional campaigns such as farm safety week, child safety are continued and other appropriate campaigns are undertaken; that research be carried out in order to identify methods of improving attitudes and awareness in relation to farm safety; and that a database on all farm accidents be developed.
I am totally supportive of the HSA's efforts to reduce the numbers of farm accidents and its programmes to increase awareness in the area of health and safety on the farm.
