Latest news with #FarmSafetyFoundation
Irish Examiner
23-07-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
There have been 12 fatalities on Irish farms so far this year
There have been 12 farming fatalities so far this year, already matching the total number of fatalities in farming in 2024. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is urging farmers' families and all agricultural staff to prioritise safety as Farm Safety Week 2025 kicks off this week. Farm Safety Week is an important campaign that highlights the ongoing dangers faced in farming. This collaborative campaign, originally launched by the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) in the UK and coordinated in Ireland by the IFA, brings together farming organisations from across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England to focus on improving farm safety. Farming continues to account for a disproportionate number of workplace deaths. Many of these incidents are preventable, often involving vehicles, machinery, livestock and falls from height. Of the 12 farming fatalities, five (41%) of these fatalities involved vehicles. In nine (75%), of the cases, the deceased was over 65 years of age. Out of the total of 12 so far, three have occurred in Donegal. Clare, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Leitrim, Mayo, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow all have one apiece. Senior inspector at the HSA, Ger Hartnett, said: 'Each life that is lost in farming is a devastating reminder that safety must come first every day, on every farm. We must remind ourselves that there are 12 families this year mourning the loss of a loved one, and we must collectively renew our commitment to prevent further family tragedies. Farm Safety Week is an opportunity to reflect, to change behaviour, and to take proper action that can save lives. 'We want to see a change in the attitude towards farm safety,' Mr Hartnett added. 'Keep your vehicles and machinery well maintained. Plan all work activity. Rest when you feel tired, take a break. Know your limitations.' Farm safety minister Michael Healy-Rae said he was "deeply concerned" by the significant rise in farm fatalities. "[This is] a trend that casts a long shadow over our farming and rural communities. I urge all farmers to review their Farm Safety Code of Practice Risk Assessment document and to make the necessary changes to ensure their safety and the safety of others on their farms. "I am also asking farmers to ask themselves if they are making every effort to prevent incidents and what further steps they can take to minimise the risk of an incident. "Every farm fatality is a tragedy, leaving behind grieving families, friends and communities. I appeal to farmers to protect themselves and those around them and to prioritise farm safety above all else.'
Edinburgh Live
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian siblings set to take on challenge for charity 'close to their hearts'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A pair of West Lothian siblings are preparing to take on the Edinburgh Marathon wearing wellies to raise money for a charity close to their hearts. Kate Hall, 24, and her brother Will, 21, who live on a farm near East Calder are looking to complete the 26 miles-plus run in the capital, reports The Daily Record. Taking place on Sunday, May 25, the pair are hoping to raise funds for RSABI (Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution) and Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies). Kate said: 'We enjoy running a bit but nothing serious. It's not something new to us but not something we're used to either. We normally go out running for a couple of hours at a time. 'I did run a marathon two years ago out in New Zealand when I was working on a sheep station. 'We've done a bit of running with the wellies on, Will's done a few park runs in his wellies but we've been training in trainers and not wellies. 'We've been gifted two pair of wellies from Hunter. They go right up to your knees so they will be quite warm if it's a hot day. 'We're not racing or anything like that, we just want to get to the finishing line and get it done. 'Our biggest fear is that it's going to be hot on the day. If the weather's hot we may have to be making some alterations to the wellies to let the air flow in. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. 'We're hoping it's a cold Scottish day with a bit of rain. I've managed to get a hold of other people who have done marathons in wellies before and get some advice from them. They've said make sure we get good comfy wellies and have lots of Vaseline and things.' The two charities are well-known to those who work in the farming industry. RSABI provides practical, emotional and financial support to all people involved in the Scottish agricultural industry, while Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) is a small independent charity that works closely with young farmers and a range of farming organisations to help raise awareness of farm safety. 'We live on a small farm near Kirknewton,' said Kate. 'These are fantastic charities that support a lot of people in Scottish and UK agriculture. The general public might not be too well aware of them but they do absolutely fantastic work in rural communities, who will be familiar with them.' Kate and Will have already brought in over £1000 through an online fundraising page. You can find out more here -
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Siblings from West Lothian farm prepare to give it some welly with a marathon run in the capital
Rain or shine, a sister and brother from West Lothian will be prepared for the weather when they take on the Edinburgh Marathon wearing wellies. Kate Hall, 24, and her brother Will, 21, who live on a farm near East Calder are looking to complete the 26 miles-plus run in the capital wearing yellow wellington boots to raise money for two charities that are close to their hearts. While most of the residents in West Lothian will be hoping for a continuation of the warm weather we've had in recent weeks, Kate and Will won't be too downhearted if there's a spot of rain as they take on the big run next Sunday, May 25. The siblings will be running the marathon to help both RSABI (Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution) and Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies). Kate said: 'We enjoy running a bit but nothing serious. It's not something new to us but not something we're used to either. We normally go out running for a couple of hours at a time. 'I did run a marathon two years ago out in New Zealand when I was working on a sheep station. 'We've done a bit of running with the wellies on, Will's done a few park runs in his wellies but we've been training in trainers and not wellies. 'We've been gifted two pair of wellies from Hunter. They go right up to your knees so they will be quite warm if it's a hot day. 'We're not racing or anything like that, we just want to get to the finishing line and get it done. 'Our biggest fear is that it's going to be hot on the day. If the weather's hot we may have to be making some alterations to the wellies to let the air flow in. 'We're hoping it's a cold Scottish day with a bit of rain. I've managed to get a hold of other people who have done marathons in wellies before and get some advice from them. They've said make sure we get good comfy wellies and have lots of Vaseline and things.' The two charities that Kate and Will have chosen to help are well-known to those who work in the farming industry. RSABI provides practical, emotional and financial support to all people involved in the Scottish agricultural industry, while Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) is a small independent charity that works closely with young farmers and a range of farming organisations to help raise awareness of farm safety. 'We live on a small farm near Kirknewton,' said Kate. 'These are fantastic charities that support a lot of people in Scottish and UK agriculture. The general public might not be too well aware of them but they do absolutely fantastic work in rural communities, who will be familiar with them.' Kate and Will have already brought in over £1000 through an online fundraising page.
Agriland
01-05-2025
- Health
- Agriland
Farm fatalities ‘remain stubbornly high'
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir has said that farm fatalities are still 'stubbornly high', especially when it comes to older farmers. The minister made the comments as he addressed the Farm Safety Foundation's second annual Farm Safety and Wellbeing Conference held in Belfast this week. The event brought together 120 farming figures from across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The conference provided an opportunity for delegates to learn, discuss and share ideas to drive forward attitudes and behaviours around farm safety and mental wellbeing across the industry. Stephanie Berkeley, manager of the Farm Safety Foundation said the event was an opportunity to share thoughts and build on the momentum needed to address these issues. 'Let's make meaningful strides toward improving the safety and wellbeing of every single one of us in the sector and let's make our farms safer places to live and to work,' she said. Farm fatalities In his keynote address, Minister Muir said that the Farm Safety Foundation and his department have 'enjoyed a long history of working together to reduce the incidence of injury and ill health across all our land-based industries'. 'Collectively we are all committed to improving farmer safety and wellbeing, and ultimately to saving the lives of those who work tirelessly to put food on our tables. 'While improved safe working practices within the industry has resulted in a decline in the major accident rate, fatalities remain stubbornly high, particularly among older farmers and each life lost is one too many,' he said. The minister added that he recognised 'the dangers associated with modern farming and also the impacts upon the farm family if a loved one is seriously injured or loses their life'. Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir He pointed to the roll-out of the new Farm Safety Partnership Action Plan 2024-2027, along with education and prevention to reduce the risk of serious harm or injury to farmers, farm family members, and employees. 'Each and every serious injury and fatality is a profound tragedy bringing devastating consequences to the front door of the farmhouse. I look forward to a day when such heartbreaking news becomes a rarity on our local farms,' he said. Conference During the conference, breakout sessions allowed attendees to delve deeper into the key issues and challenges surrounding both physical safety and mental wellbeing. Bryan Monson, Northern Ireland Farm Safety Partnership and Farm Safety panel chair, led discussions around child safety, older farmer safety, and farmer's health. 'We need to continue to work together, and find other ways of working together in a more effective way, to get these messages out and make a real difference,' he said. Kevin Doherty, Rural Support, who chaired the Mind Your Head panel, highlighted: 'The issue of mental health in the farming industry, it is a stigma, and it's a stigma that needs to be recognised.' The final panel session reflected on the day's conversations and addressed opportunities for future action. The panel included Richard Beattie, president of the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster, Francie Gorman, president of Irish Farmers Association (IFA), Elaine Houlihan, president of Macra, William Irvine, president of the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU), and Robert Kidd, chief executive of the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI). Francie Gorman told the conference: 'We've got to be more positive about the industry'. 'Of course we want it to be better, and we want more, but we shouldn't be doing it on the back of running down what is a great industry.' In closing the conference, Stephanie Berkeley reflected on the strides that have been made and the work still left to do. 'These are not easy conversations, but they are necessary ones. And today, we've proven that we are ready to have them. 'Despite the tough realities we face, I genuinely believe a more optimistic and opportunistic attitude is taking root across the farming community,' she said.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
91% of UK farmers consider poor mental health a hidden danger
A study has revealed that 91 per cent of UK farmers consider poor mental health as one of the biggest hidden dangers in the industry. The research, conducted by the Farm Safety Foundation, highlights a significant mental health crisis within the farming community. The charity's findings also indicate a steady decline in mental well-being among young farmers over the past four years. The study identifies long working hours as a major factor contributing to this crisis. 44 per cent of farmers aged between 41 and 60 work more than 81 hours a week, a figure that has increased since 2023. The study also reveals that 61 per cent of farmers still perceive poor mental health as a weakness. The Office for National Statistics recorded 44 suicides in the farming and agricultural industry in England and Wales in 2022. Stephanie Berkeley, manager of the Farm Safety Foundation, said: "Farming has always been one of the most demanding industries, but the added strain of long hours, rural isolation and financial insecurity is putting farmers at risk. "For us to change the cultural reluctance to discuss mental health, we need to listen and learn what farmers are feeling, what their attitudes are and what they are doing to address it themselves." The charity's research also found that one in three farmers who work more than nine hours a day have had an accident or a near miss in the past 12 months, demonstrating the link between long hours and unsafe working conditions. The Farm Safety Foundation's eighth annual Mind Your Head campaign, taking place from February 10 to 14, seeks to highlight the challenges within the UK's farming industry, tackle the stigma surrounding mental health, and encourage wellbeing and resilience in the sector. The campaign features a series of roundtable events designed to explore different perspectives on farm safety and mental well-being. His Royal Highness, The Duke of Rothesay, attended one such event, he said: 'I love the countryside and I love farming as well. And I am conscious that it's an area that needs maybe a little bit of support and understanding that there is access and support out there for young farmers.'
