‘Farm Safety Live’ is making a significant return to the Tullamore Show on Sunday, August 11th, 2024. The event will be officially launched in the morning by Minister Martin Heydon, Minister of State for Farm Safety, alongside Minister Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine.
Organized by FRS Training, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), and FBD Insurance in collaboration with the Tullamore Show, the interactive farm safety demonstrations aim to raise awareness and provide practical safety tips for farm families and works alike. Attendees will gain valuable insights into safer practices around tractors, quads, machinery, and livestock.
The event highlights the importance of maintaining safety in one of Ireland’s most hazardous working environments. Over the past decade, farm-related accidents have resulted in 191 farming fatalities from 2014 to 2023. Farm vehicles accounted for 44% of these deaths, with livestock being the second highest category, contributing to 19% of those deaths.
Dr. Adrienne Duff, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of HSA emphasized, “The unsafe use of farm vehicles and machinery is a leading cause in many farm fatalities. Our demonstration area at Farm Safety Live will focus on vehicle safety, stressing the importance of maintaining good driving techniques and keeping vulnerable individuals away from active work zones. Together, we can enhance farm safety and protect our loved ones.”
Ben Fearn, Head of Operations of FRS Training added, “Demonstrations are a powerful tool for helping to change behaviours. Observing routine practices and their potential consequences helps farm families recognize and mitigate risks. Continuous education and training are essential in fostering a safety-conscious culture on farms. The Tullamore Show is an ideal platform for promoting these vital messages to a wide audience.”
Ciaran Roche, Risk Manager of FBD Insurance, echoed the sentiment, stating, “The persistent high rate of serious and fatal accidents in agriculture is alarming. It’s imperative that we challenge ourselves to adopt safer practices and reduce risk-taking behaviour. Creating a positive safety culture on farms is crucial for behavioural change and safer farming practices. We encourage all farmers to visit Farm Safety Live and commit to prioritizing safety.”
Chelsey Cox McDonald, Secretary of the Tullamore Show, expressed the show’s commitment to farm safety, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Farm Safety Live back this year. Highlighting farm safety is a crucial part of our show program. We urge everyone to ‘think farm safety’ and work towards eliminating risks. The number of families affected by farm tragedies each year is truly heart-wrenching.”
Stay updated on Farm Safety Live and get a chance to win tickets to the Tullamore Show by visiting Farm Safety Live on Facebook.