MEP warns of safety dangers on family farms

THE family farm model is adding to the high level of farm accidents and fatalities in Ireland, said MEP Mairead McGuiness.

Speaking at the recent Safeguarding the Future of Farming conference in Kildare, the Fine Gael MEP said that the family farm ideal needs to be moderated by the reality that “family farms” are not the safe and secure places they should be.

“It’s time to acknowledge that the family farm model which mixes family and the workplace is adding to the unacceptably high level of farm accidents and fatalities. A less rigid and formal structure of work applies there than on other regular businesses and workplaces.

“This is not to suggest that the family farm model has to be rethought but to realise that the family and farm, if they are to continue to mix, needs to see a change in behaviour, attitudes and work practices. Otherwise the horror of farm fatalities and accidents will continue to plague our countryside,” she said.

She added that the EU Parliament will debate farm safety in May where she will advocate for figures on farm safety to be collected on a common basis across the EU. She will also call for increased quad bike safety measures.

Also speaking at the event Minister of State Andrew Doyle said that a complete behavioural change is needed to make farming safer.

“While there are many risks in farming, it does not have to be a dangerous occupation. Behavioural change is what is required to prevent many accidents. It is a case of being aware of the dangers and taking the time to do what is necessary to minimise the risk,” he said.