A new plan is in place to reduce farm deaths in Northern Ireland to zero. Despite a decrease in the number of farming-related deaths in recent years, Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir emphasized that preventable deaths are still happening. According to Health and Safety Executive NI data, 53 people lost their lives on farms between January 2013 and December 2022. In 2022, three deaths were recorded, a decrease from the six deaths in 2021.
Minister Muir, along with Economy Minister Conor Murphy, has backed the latest Farm Safety Partnership action plan. This plan includes various measures such as promoting best practices, providing education, engaging with different age groups in the farming community, promoting sustainable safe farming practices, and taking action in cases of serious failures. Minister Muir stressed the importance of enhancing safety on family farms to prevent avoidable tragedies.
While acknowledging the vital role of the agriculture sector in the region’s economy, Minister Murphy highlighted the personal impact of farming accidents on individuals, their families, and friends. He noted that although progress has been made in reducing fatal incidents, any loss of life in a farming accident is unacceptable. The new three-year plan aims to work towards zero fatalities by educating and advising the farming community on safety measures.
Both ministers emphasized the importance of simple steps in farm safety, stating that small measures can make a significant difference in saving lives. The Farm Safety Partnership is committed to supporting farmers in keeping themselves, their employees, and their families safe. By working together and implementing effective strategies, the goal is to create a secure environment on family farms and ultimately save lives in the agriculture sector.
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