Minister Announces Farm Safety Training Programme

The Minister for Labour Affairs, Dara Calleary TD, today (Tuesday 22^nd September 2009) announced an autumn programme of Teagasc farm safety training. The announcement was made to coincide with his visit to the exhibit of Health and Safety Authority and the Farm Safety Partnership (Farm Safety Village) at the National Ploughing Championships in Athy, Co. Kildare.

Minister Calleary called on farmers to attend the practical half-day training course and re-stated his support for the Farm Safety Code of Practice and the work of the Farm Safety Partnership. “There is strong evidence that attending health and safety training will greatly reduce the likelihood of an accident. I know that farmers have a tough job and it can be difficult to make time for training but the fact is that a few hours spent at one of these sessions could save a life or prevent a serious injury. From any perspective that’s a good investment.”

The nationwide training Teagasc courses on how to use the Farm Safety Code of Practice will begin in October 2009 and will run until March 2010. Martin O’Halloran, Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority, called on farmers and farm leaders to create a culture of excellence in health and safety in a sector that is particularly important to him personally. “I grew up on a farm, so I know that farming is a difficult but rewarding way of life. However, it can also be a very dangerous occupation. I want farmers to make health and safety a high priority and attending the Teagasc training is a key step towards achieving this. We know from data collected by Teagasc that up to 60% of farmers have yet to use the Code, so I would urge those that haven’t yet done so to get the training and put it into practice.”

Teagasc Director, Professor Gerry Boyle, appealed to farmers to use the Teagasc health and safety advisory and training services to the maximum extent possible. “The vital health and safety aspect of farm management is often overlooked. Engaging with an independent agency like Teagasc has, internationally, been shown to be the key driver to achieving practical legal compliance with occupational health and safety legislation”, he stated.

Professor Boyle stated that the half-day courses on how to complete the Farm Safety Code of Practice are open to all farmers and are an ideal opportunity to gain advice on how to complete and implement the Code. Teagasc advisers will follow-up with any necessary advice, he added.

The Teagasc Director stated that Teagasc staff are strongly committed to assisting farmers to cut the appalling toll of tragedy, pain and suffering and economic hardship caused by injury and ill health and to adjust to current adverse economic conditions.

The dates and locations of the training are available from local Teagasc offices. The Farm Safety Code of Practice can be downloaded for free from www.hsa.ie.

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For further information please contact: Health and Safety Authority Press and Communications Officer Mark Ryan 01 6147068 / 0868036141