Teagasc Survey Shows over 3,000 Farm Accidents in 2001

Issued 5 November, 2002

A Teagasc survey shows that over 3,000 accidents occurred on Irish farms in 2001, resulting in 24 deaths and significant injury and loss of income.

The survey, which was conducted among a representative sample of over 1,100 farm families earlier this year, shows a decline in the number of farm accidents since the last major Teagasc survey in 1996.

It also reveals a significant decline in the number of accidents involving farm machinery. However, the number of accidents caused by livestock and trips and falls in the farmyard increased.

The survey was carried out by Anne Finnegan, a Teagasc post-graduate research scientist, based in the UCD Faculty of Agriculture, and was supported by the Health and Safety Authority. The results show that 10% of all farms experienced an accident of varying severity in 2001. The total number of accidents reported was 3,077.

Livestock were the dominant cause, accounting for over 25% of all accidents. Trips and falls accounted for 22% while machinery accounted for just under 20%. In the 1996 survey, machinery made up 35% of total farm accidents. Almost half the victims reported that they had not fully recovered from the injuries sustained in the accident and two out of five accidents resulted in economic loss to the farm business.

The survey also assessed safety practices on farms. The results show that in spite of the proven dangers of power take-off (PTO) shafts three out of every 10 farms had tractors with uncovered PTO shafts in 2001. Also, there was no locked storage area for chemicals on one-third of farms.

While 90% of farmers said they are aware of their legal requirements to operate a safe farm, less than 10% have a safety statement. In the 1996 survey, just 2.5% of farmers had a safety statement.

According to the survey, lung problems and back pain are the major occupational health problems among farmers. Over 10% of farmers reported ill-health due to farming and in 30% of cases the ill-health was described as persistent.

While half of the farmers admitted that they needed more information on health and safety issues, only 5% had sought information during the previous 12 months. Two-thirds identified Teagasc as the organisation they would first approach for information on health and safety. Twenty per cent said they would go to the Health and Safety Authority while one in twelve said they would seek information from the farming organisations.

The survey also showed that almost 60% of farmers had incorporated safety measures on their farms during the previous five years and 13% had participated in a training course on health and safety.