The President of Ireland Mary McAleese has this week launched a major IFA
nationwide Farm Safety awareness campaign that will be promoted to the
Association’s 87,000 members through its network of 947 branches and County
Executives.
"I am delighted to add my voice to those insisting that farmers put farm
safety at the top of their priority list for 2011.  Farm safety is not
optional.  It is a profound obligation of care for the health, well-being
and safety of the self and other human beings.  Next year’s statistics will
soon tell us how effective this campaign has been.  I wish it huge success
and hope that Ireland already a world leader in food production; will be
recognised as a world leader in farm safety thanks to your efforts."

John Bryan said IFA was honoured that President McAleese was launching the
campaign, and her interest in the issue would send the strongest possible
message to farm families on the importance of ongoing vigilance when it
comes to safety on the farm.

The theme of the campaign is ‘Think Safety - Farm Safely’. Over the coming
months, each of the 29 IFA County Executives will be addressed by experts
from FBD, Teagasc and HSA who will provide practical advice on steps and
measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of accidents.

Addressing the IFA Executive Council and members of the Farm Family
Committee in the Irish Farm Centre during the week, IFA President John Bryan
said he was very concerned at the increase in the number of accidents and
deaths on Irish farms last year.  “Increased awareness of health and safety
through ongoing education and promotion is the most effective way of
reducing farm accidents.”

John Bryan said, “The use of awareness and promotion to keep safety to the
forefront in the minds of all farm families will have far more impact than
inspection and enforcement. It will help to improve our safety record and
bring about a real change in culture.”  He called on the HSA to redirect
extra resources to awareness and promotion.

Monaghan IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs Committee Chairman Miriam Sherry
said close co-operation between farm families and agencies will heighten
awareness of best practice and reduce the level of accidents on farms.