GAA supports Farm Safety Week campaign
The Ulster Farmers’ Union are delighted to have the support of the GAA for the Farm Safety Week and beyond. From falls and slurry to child safety, Farm Safety Week 2015 brings five days of themed practical advice and guidance for farmers to drive up health and safety standards on farms.
Sadly, in Northern Ireland there were102 confirmed farming deaths from 2000 to the end of June 2015. “These figures serve as a reminder that farming is a dangerous occupation and it is important we educate the industry, including young farmers, about the risks.” said UFU president Ian Marshall.
The UFU are extremely encouraged by the willingness of the GAA to get on board and help promote the message of farm safety. “It’s clear that they are serious about this issue and their commitment to rural communities makes the GAA an invaluable ally in helping raise awareness and in changing attitudes towards safety.” said Mr Marshall.
To highlight the importance of farm safety, and to help raise awareness, Monaghan GAA senior footballer, Darren Hughes, attended the NSA sheep event in Ballymena to lend his support. He said; “Having grown up on a dairy farm in Scotstown, I’m very aware of the dangers and how easy it is for an accident to happen. I’m confident that the GAA’s relationship with the Farm Safety Partnership will help highlight the importance of farm safety and will hopefully help shift farmers and their families towards a more ‘stop and think SAFE’ mind-set.” said Darren Hughes.
Farm Safety Week is supported by the Farm Safety Foundation, Farm Safety Partnerships, the Health & Safety Executive, Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland and the Health & Safety Authority, Ireland. Over the five days, farmers are being encouraged to take five minutes to assess the safety of some routine tasks so they ‘don’t learn safety by accident’. The themes for the week includes: falls, machinery, slurry, crush injuries from livestock and child safety.
Photo Caption: Pictured L-R is HSENI Chief Executive, Keith Morrison; Monaghan GAA senior footballer Darren Hughes and UFU President Ian Marshall at the NSA sheep event.
