TD urges safety for young farmers on rural roads
Fianna Fáil TD Peter 'Chap' Cleere highlighted the issue of young farmers driving heavy machinery, saying that being extra cautious at this time of year is important.
'This time of year is a busy time for farmers throughout the country. There is a lot heavy machinery on our rural roads as a result of this,' the Carlow/Kilkenny TD said.
'There are a lot of young farmers now coming on stream, and those who are on school holidays will be giving a lot of their time to the farm.'
'I would like to encourage all farmers to remain vigilant on our rural roads and be aware of the heavy machinery in which they are driving, as a lot of roads are narrower in these areas,' he added.
Cleere highlighted recent findings from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) which showed that fatal incidents on farms are on the rise.
Two in five workplace-related fatalities are accounted for on farms, despite only representing 6.5% of the workforce.
'The recent HSA findings are quite concerning and to be frank, scary. I would encourage all farmers to do their best to minimise the risk of accidents, especially with quads on farms which are rising at an alarming rate of late,' the TD said.
'Quads, the driving of heavy-duty machinery, and working from heights are all concerns that are common themes for accidents on farms.
'Farmers are the backbone of rural Irish economies across the country. I see the valiant work the famers across my own constituency do – they are at the centre of our food industry in Ireland and contribute so much around the globe,' Cleere added.
Minister stresses safety
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM) Michael Healy-Rae has voiced his concern about the significant increase in work-related fatalities among outdoor workers, particularly among farmers, as reported by the HSA.
The minister extended his sympathies to those who lost loved ones, and recognises the pain that these families, friends and communities are going through.
The minister said: 'The recent number of fatal incidents on farms is very concerning.
'These losses serve to remind us that safety must be prioritised above everything else, and farmers must make every effort to ensure their own safety and the safety of everyone working on or visiting their farm.'
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