Seminar to Encourage Safe Irish Farms

21 July 2004

The latest research on occupational health and safety in farming will be outlined at an international seminar in University College Dublin (UCD) on Tuesday, 27 July.

Organised by Teagasc, in association with UCD and the Health and Safety Authority, it will feature the leading international experts on critical aspects of heath and safety in farming.

Announcing details, Teagasc Health and Safety Specialist, John McNamara, said that farmers have the highest incidence of disability and health problems in Ireland and this is having a negative impact on the farm business.

Although agriculture now makes up just 6.5% of the work force, it accounts for 30% of workplace deaths. Creating awareness of health and safety among farmers is crucial,” he said.

Among the speakers will be two leading experts from the University of Kentucky, who will present research findings on health and safety in the USA, including research on how children learn about safety. The seminar will also be addressed by Dr. Ann Hope, NUI Galway, who will explain some of the misconceptions among farmers regarding their health and safety practices. She will also outline steps to improve the health profile of farmers.

The programme also includes Irish experts Professor Jim Phelan, Dr. Dermot Ruane and Anne Finnegan, UCD.

The seminar venue is the Industry Centre, UCD and will run from 11.00am to 4.00pm. Everyone involved in agriculture and health and safety is welcome.