New farm safety roadshow coming to Mayo
A new, fully funded farm safety roadshow that aims to 'bring safety to farmers' will be coming to Mayo next week.
Run by FRS Co-Op and the Irish Co-Operative Organisation Society (ICOS), this initiative is being held in easily accessible locations around the country, making it more convenient for busy farmers to attend, allowing them to access this vital information and training.
The Mayo event, in association with Aurivo Livestock Marts, will be held on Saturday, November 16, at 10.30 a.m. in Aurivo, Balla (F23 EC99).
At the roadshow, farmers will be provided with practical silks and knowledge on topics like the dangers of working with livestock, machinery and driving on roads, mental health and seeking out help for family members, farm buildings and how to maximise TAMS grant aid to better your farm, as well as efficiency around farm work.
Guest speakers from the industry will provide their expertise as part of the event, which is expected to run for approximately two to three hours.
Statistics from the HSA show that, on average, there have been 19 farm fatalities a year, over the last 10 years. Taking those figures into account, the roadshow seeks to provide better awareness and understanding of the correct health and safety practices.
As well as the Mayo event, the roadshow will also visit Kerry, Wicklow, Cork, Kildare and Galway.
Speaking about the roadshow, Jim Dockery, health and safety manager with FRS Co-Op, said: “It’s a busy time of year for Mayo farmers, with cattle going indoors and the evenings getting shorter. It can be challenging to carve out time to go to talks and events. That is why this roadshow is a little different.
“We’re taking safety to farmers. The roadshow is visiting local farms, marts and in co-op yards. By being at these locations and taking a few hours or so out to see some safety events, it will make it as convenient for the farmer as possible.
“We also want to capture the Mayo farmers that don’t normally go to meetings and events but he or she can avail of the information and knowledge in a comfortable environment for them where they know everyone anyway.
“Everybody knows someone who has been injured or, worse still, killed in farm accidents. So it’s very close to most people’s hearts and any of us working in the agri-sector realise how important farm safety is. That is why we are running this roadshow and we hope there will be plenty of Mayo farmers in attendance, furthering awareness and use of safe practice and procedures.”
Anyone wishing to attend the roadshow is encouraged to register in advance on https://frsfarmreliefservices.ie/farmsafetyroadshow/.