The Irish Government said it is determined to cut the rate of serious and fatal incidents in the agricultural sector.
Between 2016 and 2020, there were 100 fatal incidents on Irish farms. Of these, 46 involved a farm vehicle, seven involved machinery and 20 involved livestock.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Martin Heydon, said the figures are a “stark reminder of the dangers on farms”.
In 2020 there were 54 workplace deaths in Ireland, almost half of these were on farms.
“Unfortunately, to date this year, there have been seven fatal incidents on farms. Every death is one too many,” Minister Heydon continued.
“Behind each of these numbers is a family, a farm and a local community that has suffered an irreversible loss.
Minister Heydon said there is concern that many of those involved in farm incidents are either the old or very young.
He said sometimes farmers are taking on jobs on their own that should be done by two people.
“We need farmers to recognise where there are potential hazards in the activities they are understaking.
“Just because there are risks, it does not mean that farms should be dangerous places to work,” he added.
LSL News.