17 July 2023
Teagasc Supports Farm Safety Week 2023
Teagasc Director Professor Frank O’Mara stated that “Teagasc strongly supports Farm Safety Week 2023” and called on farmers to use the Week to invigorate management of health and safety on their farms.
Professor O’Mara stated that Teagasc will be publishing material related to daily themes to provide knowledge and motivation. In addition, all Advisory staff have been asked to give health and safety particular emphasis when meeting farmers at events and on farms.
Tuesday July 18th Teagasc will be circulating an ATV Training Health and Safety Video.The video provides information on the requirements of the ATV occupational safety, health and welfare Regulations which will come into force in November.
Wednesday July 19th a video on techniques for calm handling of cattle will be released jointly with IFA. The video feature Miriam Parker, a renowned specialist in livestock handling and design of cattle handling facilities. The video follows release of data by Teagasc National Farm Survey which shows an escalation in livestock related injury to 48% of all farm workplace injuries.
The Winners of the Stay Safe with Jessy Art Competition will also be announced.
Thursday July 20th Teagasc messages will focus on prioritising youtr health while farming. Information on the high risk areas based on recent research will be released. Both work-related and personal health issues will be covered including: musculoskeletal, respiratory, zoonotic infections, cardiovascular and the importance of positive mental health.
Alice Doyle, IFA, with Professor Frank O’Mara, Teagasc, Discussing Farm Safety Week 2023.
Regarding ‘Farming Heroes’ Professor O’Mara stated that he wished to pay tribute to farmers who give an account of their injury or ill health so that others may learn from them and avoid further occurrences. “These are Farm Safety Heroes in my book” he stated, adding that “we all need to be unsung heroes by implementing health and safety measures on an on-going basis and encouraging others to do so”.