Major farm safety event on Saturday
THE FINAL preparations are being put in place for the Farm Safety and Mental Health Open Day which takes place on Leslie Dixon’s farm at Moneylawn, Gorey, this Saturday, September 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This is the first event organised by the new charity Awareness Head to Toe. Chairperson George Graham said that there’s massive interest in the event, and people will be travelling from various parts of the country to attend.
The day will include representatives and information from organisations and individuals involved in farming and in the areas of health and mental health. These will include: South East Women in Farming; Embrace Farm Accident Support Network; Teagasc; Pieta House; Denis O’Connor, psychotherapist; Bord Bia; Slaney Foods; Samaritans; ICA; Mothers’ Union; Leskinfere Community Alert; Muintir na Tire; IFA Farm Families; IFA; Health and Safety Authority; Civil Defence; Talk to Tom; Kinesiology; McCauley’s Pharmacy, Gorey; Jim Ryan; Donie Anderson; Denis Kinsella; Grassland Agro; and Sgt Brendan Moore, crime prevention officer for Co Wexford.
The day will include talks on topics such as farm safety, mental health, and general health, as well as farm safety demonstrations. Speakers from Teagasc, the HSA, and Farm Relief Services will give talk, as will individuals recounting their personal stories. Among these will be former Buffers Alley, Wexford, and All Ireland hurler Colm Doran, who will talk about the importance of blood pressure testing. The team from McCauley’s Pharmacy, Gorey, will be on hand to offer free blood pressure tests.
There will be displays and demonstrations on farm accidents and fatalities. ‘There will be a demonstration on how PTO power drive accidents happen,’ said George. ‘And there will be a big emphasis on slurry and livestock. There have been a lot of accidents this year with cows and calves, and slurry is a big danger, as are quads.’
Admission is free and refreshments are free. The farm is located half-way between Clogh and Gorey on the old N11. Parking available on site. The charity thanked all the individuals and businesses that have supported its work to date, with special thanks to Leslie Dixon for hosting.