So far, 11 people have lost their lives on Irish farms in 2017.
A report by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has named the biggest risk factor on Irish farms – not seeking assistance on difficult tasks.
Farmers with largest land holding, young farmers and dairy farmers are most at risk from accidents at the workplace, with unmarried farmers more likely to take chances than those with a spouse.
Those with larger farms were ‘less likely’ to check machinery before use, according to the report, and were less likely to use safety.
The study identified farming as by far the most dangerous occupation in the country; 197 people have died in Irish farm accidents in the last 10 years, with 11 so far in 2017 alone.
Failing to seek help with difficult jobs was by far the biggest risk, along with failing to wear requisite safety gear such as goggles, ear defenders and high-visibility vests.
The failure to seek help leads to the highest number of fatalities.
Finally, dairy and part-time farmers were the least likely to store dangerous chemicals away from potential access by children.
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