Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2004
71 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on recent figures from the Health and Safety Authority that show that the death rate on farms here is four times higher than that in all other industries put together. [24493/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very concerned about the level of safety on our farms. The latest figures published by the HSA show that between January and 4 October there were nine fatalities in the sector. This level is unacceptable. It is imperative that all farmers acknowledge that farming is a hazardous occupation and one that carries specific risks.
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989, the HSA is the State body charged with overall responsibility for administration, enforcement and promotion of workplace safety and health, including farms. I am totally supportive of the HSA's efforts to reduce the number of farm accidents and its programmes to increase health and safety on the farm.
