Put Safety First on the Farm This Summer - Gildernew

Farming Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has highlighted the issue of farm safety to farm families and asks for everyone to take extra time to make sure that everyone stays safe at this time of the year.

Discussing her concerns the Minister said: “Farms can be very dangerous places at any time of the year but pose heightened danger during the summer months when the farm is busy and the children are off on their summer holidays.

“With schools breaking up for the summer this week, I want to take this opportunity to raise awareness amongst farm families and remind them to keep everyone exercise extra caution to keep children as safe as possible during busy spells over the holidays. I appeal to the rural population to increase safety precautions on-farm and ensure that everyone, and in particular young children, are kept a safe distance from equipment or physical farming activities at all times. “

The Minister also said “Help and advice is available from my Department to assist farm families improve their safety around the farm. In particular, I wish to highlight the training that CAFRE offers throughout the year on safe tractor driving, safe use of ATVs and telescopic handlers and safe use of pesticides and sheep dips”.

The Minister added: “Put safety first on the farm make sure that no family goes through the heartbreak of having a child killed or injured this summer. I would ask everyone involved with farming to please pay extra attention to the advice of the Health and Safety Executive on farm safety issues at this time of the year, and follow their potentially life-saving guidance. ’’

Further information on courses at CAFRE can be found at the CAFRE Website or by contacting the Short Course Administration Team at 028 9442 6704. If you would like advice and information from HSENI call them on freephone 0800 0320 121, or visit the HSENI website

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