Farming accounts for half of workplace deaths

Posted on: 03/01/2013

Farm deaths accounted for almost half of all workplace fatalities last year, new figures show.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) confirmed that 47 people were killed in workplace accidents in 2012, down 13% from 54 a year earlier.

The victims included two children and two members of the public.

The HSA said the agriculture sector recorded the highest number of deaths for the third year in succession, with 21.

Martin O�Halloran, chief executive, said efforts have been made to improve performance in farming.

�We have run awareness campaigns, distributed guidance and tailored our inspection programme to help create a culture of safe farming,� he said.

�Some progress has been made but unfortunately, last year 21 families lost loved ones due to farm accidents.

�Farms are family homes as well as workplaces so farmers need to realise that safe farming is about protecting themselves, their family and their businesses.�