SDLP Chair of the Enterprise Trade Investment Committee Patsy McGlone has welcomed the launch of the farm safety campaign by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland.

The Mid Ulster MLA was speaking following a recent briefing of the committee by representatives of the Health and Safety Executive.

Mr McGlone said: "Since the Farm Safety Partnership was launched in May by the Farm Safety Partnership of the Health and Safety Executive they have worked hard to develop the first Farm Safety Action Plan.

"The action plan will bring wider attention to the dangers those working in the farming community face every day.

"The tragic incidents of farm fatalities during this year have highlighted the dangers farmers face during their working day and the terrible consequences when things go wrong. Farming remains one of the most dangerous industries in which to work and every effort must be made to drive up health and safety standards on farms.

-- Advertisement --

"The action plan proposes to achieve this by implementing 44 specific actions covering four key areas: the provision of information and the promotion of safe working; health and safety training; motivating good practice and discouraging poor practice; and the collection and analysis of information.

"A multimedia campaign is being developed for launch in May next year, aimed at raising awareness of farm safety, with an estimated cost of about £300,000.

"The farm safety visit initiative is already underway with the assistance of environmental health officers from the relevant district councils, and will target farming accident black spots around the country.

"The efforts of the HSE must be matched by the commitment of the farming community to implement best practice when engaging in any hazardous work.

"Over the last five years 96% of fatal accidents on farms had four main causes – slurry, animals, falls and equipment. By following best practice in these hazardous situations the risks can be minimised and accidents prevented."

(CD)