The Minister of State for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (with responsibility for Farm Safety), Martin Heydon T.D. and Chief Executive Officer of the Health and Safety Authority, Dr. Sharon McGuinness, have jointly launched an online Tractor Safety Awareness Training Course, in conjunction with the Irish Farmers Journal.
Minister Heydon stated: “This online course is a great opportunity for all those working with farm machinery to refresh their skills. It can provide a reminder for experienced operators as well as a grounding for young people starting out with farm machinery”.
Dr. Sharon McGuinness said: “Farmers must invest time for training for themselves, their families and others who work on their farm. Tractors and other vehicles were involved in 50% of all farm fatalities over the last 10 years. I would ask farmers to get online and complete this Tractor Safety Awareness Training course”.
Justin McCarthy, Editor of the Irish Farmer’s Journal said: “We all have a responsibility both to ourselves and our families to farm safely. I would urge all farmers and their families to take this interactive course to help remind them of the proper practices and procedures that need to be undertaken before operating any type of machinery”.
The course is aimed primarily at young people starting out who drive tractors on farms and highlights the daily safety elements that need to be considered. It can also be used as a good ‘refresher’ for other ages. Details on the Department website.
