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 10.30am in Aurivo, Carrowntobber Oughter, Balla.

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 in each location.

Statistics from the HSA show that on average, there have been 19 farm fatalities a year, over the last decade. 

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,” he added.

Mr Dockery said they aim to ‘capture the Mayo farmers that don’t normally go to meetings and events’, so all can avail of the information and knowledge. 

“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,” he continued. 

Edward Carr, President of ICOS commented: “This is an issue that’s very close to all our hearts. If we’re to be completely honest with ourselves, we’ve all had close calls on our farms. That is why there is a vital purpose behind these roadshows. 

“We hope that these roadshows will serve for the betterment of everybody involved. We are very honoured and privileged to be involved in this initiative. We fully believe the co-op network is an ideal platform for us to promote these events right across the country, and we hope there will be strong interest for each of these roadshows,” Mr Carr concluded. 

Anyone wishing to attend the roadshow is encouraged to register in advance on the Farm Relief Services website.