asked the Minister for Agriculture the proportion of farm accidents in the last four years involving the power shaft of tractors; and if he will make regulations in relation to the adequate guarding of such shafts.
Ceisteann—Questions. Oral Answers. - Farm Accidents.
2.
Farm accidents involving the power shaft of tractors represented 11 per cent of total farm accidents for the years 1973, 1974 and 1975 the latest years for which figures are available. There are no proposals at present to make regulations in regard to the adequate guarding of such shafts. The exercise of care in handling farm machinery, including tractor power takeoffs, forms part of the continuous campaign of education and advice provided by my Department and the agricultural advisory services about the prevention of accidents on farms.
Would the Minister state, first of all, if he agrees with me that the proportion of farm accidents represented by accidents in relation to unguarded power shafts on tractors is increasing, and would he further state if he would consider it wise to introduce a regulation prohibiting the use of tractors with unguarded power shafts on public roads? That would be one way within existing road traffic regulations whereby to curb the use of tractors with unguarded power shafts.
I agree that every precaution should be taken against this kind of accident, and the Department conducts a continuous campaign stressing farm safety. A leaflet, No. 148, has been issued and demonstrations have been held at the RDS and other shows highlighting the need for safety but, no matter what the Department does, responsibility for farm safety lies basically with the farmers themselves, and they and their workers should be encouraged to take all the necessary precautions to ensure that accidents do not happen.
Would the Minister agree that there is need for some control by the State even in relation to the marketing of tractors with unguarded power shafts?
I would agree.
Apparently there are no regulations at all in this area. Would the Minister further agree that accidents in which tractors with unguarded power shafts are involved are very sudden and very serious when they occur and there is, therefore, need for action in this area?
I agree with the Deputy but, no matter what regulations are made, unless those working the tractors take the necessary precautions there will be no safety.
3.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will outline the procedures for the enforcement of farm safety regulations; and if he has any plans to improve them.
Existing regulations on farm safety are enforced by the Garda Síochána in relation to the provision of safety cabs on tractors and by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland and health boards in relation to the poison paraquat. The introduction of a control system on the use of agrochemicals is under consideration at present. Generally speaking, farm safety can be promoted most effectively through educational and advisory methods.
Is there any provision for the enforcement of these regulations on farms? So far as the gardaí are concerned in relation to enforcement of tractor safety regulations, such enforcement takes place only on the public road.
That is correct.
The gardaí do not enter farms to see if tractors without safety cabs are being used. There would appear to be a lacuna.
Apparently there is no specific farm safety legislation. All we have are regulations and those regulations are enforced by the Garda Síochána.
If that is the case why is the Minister not availing of the opportunity presented by the Industrial Safety Bill, which specifically excludes agriculture, to use that Bill which is before the House and which can be amended to provide legislation governing farm safety?
All I can say is that there is no regulation at the moment but, if such a regulation is found necessary, I am sure it will be made.
There has been a series of fatal accidents with tractors. Do I take it the Minister accepts that the present regulation, which is related solely to the use of such vehicles in public places, is totally inadequate, and is he prepared to bring in the necessary legislation to bring home to farmers the necessity for the safety framing of tractors?
This is repetition.
I would say the regulation is inadequate.
Has the Minister any intention of introducing any regulation to deal with the situation?
If it is necessary I am sure legislation will be introduced.
Are we not agreed that it is necessary? The problem is there. The existing regulation is inadequate and so new regulations are necessary.
I have no proof at this stage that new regulations are necessary.
Has the Minister not accepted that the present regulation is inadequate?
Would the Minister at least have a look at the Industrial Safety Bill to see if it could be amended to deal with the present unsatisfactory situation?
I will do that, certainly.