FORUM Connemara Farm Health & Safety EIP
The Agriculture Sector in Ireland can provide a great way of life, but regrettably, it also continues to have a poor occupational safety and health record with a disproportionate level of fatal and serious injury.
Each year, fatalities in the sector account for up to 50% of all Irish workplace deaths.
Accidents and fatalities on farms are a continuing cause of concern for the farming community in Ireland. Adding to these worries for farmers in North West Connemara is the isolated nature and rugged terrain of most of the farm land in the region where mobile phone cover can also be an issue.
Many farmers in this area live alone, work alone and are often miles from medical help. These factors make the basic health and safety precautions for working on a farm more important than ever for these members of the farming community.
FORUM Connemara’s Farm Health & Safety EIP aims to promote on-farm health & safety at a local level on farms across North West Connemara.
The initiative will promote methods for improving both the physical and mental health of the farmers and their family members in the area, as well as addressing the overall safety on the farm in practical, low cost and easily implementable measures. This scheme is currently working with 45 local farmers on a specially tailored farming training programme which will include first aid, working at heights, fire safety and quad bike safety initiatives.
We will highlight proven techniques and currently available tools for tracking and minding our mental health and list all current resources that may help if you are feeling down and need a helping hand.
Reaching out is often the most courageous thing you can ever do.
We want to make it easy to know who you can talk to and where you can get the help you need.
