Farm safety roadshow in Monasterevin next week
At the launch of the roadshow at Kilcullen Mart were (l-r) Jim Dockery, FRS Co-Op; Helena Silke, FRS Co-Op; Minster for State with special responsibility for farm safety, Martin Heydon TD; Edward Carr, Irish Co-operative Organisation Society; TJ Flanagan, CEO, ICOS and Eamon Farrell, ICOS
A farm safety roadshow that aims to “bring safety to farmers” will be coming to Kildare this week.
The event will be held on Thursday 14 November at 10.30am in Tirlán CountryLife, Monasterevin.
The initiative is run by FRS Co-Op and the Irish Co-Operative Organisation Society (ICOS). At the roadshow, farmers will be provided with practical skills and knowledge on topics like the dangers of working with livestock; machinery and driving on roads and mental health and seeking out help for family members.
The road show will also examine farm building safety 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 and the event 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 & safety practices.
Speaking about the roadshow, Jim Dockery, Health and Safety Manager with FRS Co-Op said: “It’s a busy time of year for Kildare 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 Kildare 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."
Anyone wishing to attend the roadshow is encouraged to register in advance on www.frsfarmreliefservices.ie/farmsafetyroadshow/.
