Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
71. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of accidents and fatalities recorded on farms for 2021; the steps he is taking to reduce these incidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2564/22]
View answerThe Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is the designated state agency with responsibility for workplace safety, including farm safety. The HSA maintains a strong focus on specific high-risk areas, such as agriculture, through inspection and enforcement, ongoing partnerships, and through education and awareness-raising campaigns.
Although farming fatalities declined by over 50% with 9 fatalities recorded in 2021 compared to 20 in 2020, the sector remains one of the most dangerous sectors in which to work in Ireland.
|
Agriculture 2021 |
|
|
Accidents Reported |
113* |
|
Fatalities |
9 |
* There is significant underreporting of non-fatal work-related incidents in agriculture as most are self-employed sole traders.
In August 2021, the HSA published its Farm Safety Action Plan 2021 – 2024. The aim of the new Farm Safety Action Plan is to reduce fatalities, serious injuries and ill health in the agriculture sector. Five critical areas have been identified for attention - Behaviour, Education and Training; Health and Vulnerable Persons; Tractor; High Risk Machinery; Livestock Handling and Buildings, Work at Height.
The HSA, through its Agricultural Policy Unit, provides practical assistance and support to achieve the goals and objectives contained within the Farm Safety Action Plan. The Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee, which is an advisory committee to the Board of the HSA, will monitor the implementation of the action plan over its term.
In November 2021, legislation was introduced (Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) (Amendment No 2) Regulations 2021 (S.I. No 619 of 2021)) to make use of PPE and undergoing training mandatory for use of All Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) in the workplace. This was introduced as a result of the number of accidents involving these vehicles, resulting in fatalities and life changing injuries in recent years, particularly in farm settings. These Regulations will come into effect from November 2023 to ensure the necessary training and equipment requirements have been put in place.
In addition to the actions being undertaken by the HSA, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) under the guidance of Minister of State Martin Heydon has a range of measures in place and in the process of being put in place to incentivise and promote the issue of farm safety.
A key element of the DAFM approach is the on-going Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) II scheme. Under the suite of seven TAMS measures, there is a wide range of farm safety-related investments available for grant-aid. As part of the TAMS II schemes, ‘Health and Safety’ guidelines are included in all ‘Building Specifications,’ drawn up by DAFM for the construction of agricultural buildings and structures. Additionally, it is a requirement for all applicants under the TAMS II schemes to complete a half day of farm safety training.
DAFM supports the AgriAware Farm Safe Schools initiative for 2022 which is on a mission to Engage, Educate and Empower children to be farm safety ambassadors.
A further initiative being taken by DAFM, in conjunction with the Department of Finance, is the Accelerated Capital Allowance Scheme for Farm Safety and Disabilities Adaptation Equipment. The scheme provides for accelerated capital allowances at 50% per annum over two years for eligible specified farm safety and adaptive equipment.
