Independent TD Mattie McGrath has urged all farming families in Co. Tipperary to place a renewed emphasis on the prevention of farm accidents. Deputy McGrath was speaking at the beginning of the seventh annual Farm Safety Week:
“This year’s campaign is centred around the phrase: ‘Save Lives. Think Safety – Farm Safely.’ That is a vital message that we must keep to the fore of our minds, not just during this week but all year round.
While the vast majority of farmers are very conscious of their safety and those of their workers, we still have to remember that last year, 15 people tragically lost their lives in farm accidents.
As I understand it, 12 more people have also died so far this year.
Those of us who farm and are familiar with the work know how easy it is for complacency to kick in. We can begin to think that we have taken sufficient precautions and that accidents are what happen to other people.
Unfortunately, the evidence is there that even the most experienced farmer or farm worker can be liable to make easily preventable mistakes.
That is why weeks such as these are so important. They remind us that when it comes to farm safety we can never be too careful,” concluded Deputy McGrath.
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