Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 July 2016
44. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will support the provision of personal protective equipment as part of farm safety measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21293/16]
View answerFarm safety is a critical issue facing farming today. Statistics show that accidents on farms cause more workplace deaths than all other occupations combined. In the period 2004 to 2013, there were 176 fatal farm accidents which is a shocking statistic. To date this year there has been 8 fatal farm accidents on Irish farms. These 8 fatal farm accidents account for over forty percent of all fatal work accidents so far in 2016, while farming accounts for less than 6 percent of the workforce. While this is a welcome reduction, the rate of accidents on farms remains very high and it is important that the focus on farm safety is maintained.
Injuries and fatalities are caused in a number of ways but the two highest areas of accidents relate to tractors & machinery and livestock. So far this year tractors and machinery account for 75% of all fatal farm accidents.
The current TAMS grant-aid schemes are focused on capital investment items that have a prolonged life span and are of a high cost. Most personal protective equipment needs to be replaced on a fairly regular basis to ensure that it remains in a functional condition, and most of it costs less than €50 for any one item. For example traditional style boiler suits can be purchased for less than €20 and items such as goggles, ear defenders, face masks, hard hats, gloves and high-visibility waistcoats can all be purchased for less than €10 each.
Behavioural change is what is required to prevent many accidents. It is a case of being aware of the dangers and taking the time to do what is necessary to minimise the risk. While there are many risks in farming, farming does not have to be a dangerous occupation. There are plenty of ways to reduce the danger, without spending a lot of money. Farmers should be encouraged to take time to plan buildings and work. After all, as farmers, they are the ones who will benefit.
To conclude, it is important for everyone, to continually highlight the need for farmers to think Safety First in all tasks they perform, no matter the pressure. No individual action or organisation can solve this difficult problem that impacts so negatively on so many lives each year.
