Accident at Work Kills 18 Irish Farmers in 2013, So Far
Bolton, United Kingdom (PRWEB UK) 23 December 2013 -- The HSA highlighted that a recent study indicates that farmer’s health is poorer than any other occupational group. (1)
With these statistics in mind, a new Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between Teagasc (The Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority) and the HSA. The document outlines that the organisations will cooperate, in an attempt to promote improved health and safety standards, in Irish Farms. (1)
Martin O’Halloran, Chief Executive Officer, of the Health and Safety Authority said: “Research carried out by the organisation provides us with a better understanding of what influences people’s behaviour leading to an accident occurring. (1)
“There is a constant need for vigilance on farms in relation to safety and we urge all farmers to take time to assess the risks on their farms and take corrective action. The work of other organisations through the Farm Safety Partnership in promoting health and safety on farms is also acknowledged.” (1)
However, the issues that those employed in Agriculture face, in reference to health and safety, is not isolated to Ireland. Fatalities in the farming industry plague most of the United Kingdom and Europe.
Commenting on the accident, Thomas Fairclough, Executive at Asons Solicitors said:
“Agriculture has one of the worst fatal accident, and occupation ill health records, of any major employment sector. Only construction has a comparable incidence rate of fatal accidents at work. However, there has been a steady decline in fatal accidents in construction, but this is less so for agriculture.
“Less than 1.5% of the working population is employed in agriculture, yet the sector is responsible for between 15% and 20% of fatalities to workers each year. The industry also has a rate of self-reported illness, which is typically higher than the average for all industries.”
According to the HSE, in the decade between 1999/2000 and 2008/09, a total of 436 people were killed as a result of agricultural work, and many more have been injured or are suffering from poor health due to their employment. (2)
The fatal injury rate in agriculture for 2010/11, was 8.0 deaths per 100,000 workers. This compares to an average for 9.6 per 100,000 workers from the previous 5 years; the highest of any industrial sector. In agriculture, the area for particular concern is the self-employed workers. (2) Of the 436 people killed over the past ten years in the UK 56% (245) were self-employed. (3)
1.2% of workers in agriculture and fishing also suffer from long standing health problems, or a disability, caused by an accident at work. 3.2% of workers have been diagnosed with industrial diseases, which they have contracted as a direct result of their employment. (4)
If you, or someone you know, have suffered as a result of an accident at work, then you may be able to make an accident at work claim. Asons Solicitors deal with personal injury claims and industrial diseases, such as occupational asthma and vibration white finger, you can contact them on: 01204 521 133 or you can fill out their claim form at http://www.asons.co.uk.
(1) 18 lives lost on Irish farms so far this year - http://www.agriland.ie/news/18-lives-lost-on-irish-farms-so-far-this-year/ - Agriland December 2013
(2) About health and safety in agriculture - http://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/hsagriculture.htm - HSE December 2013
(3) Agriculture - http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/industry/agriculture/ - HSE December 2013
(4) Agriculture in the EU: Statistical Information - https://osha.europa.eu/en/sector/agriculture/eu_stats - European Agency for Safety and Health at Work December 2013
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About Asons Solicitors:
Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in personal injury and industrial disease claims. Founded by brothers Imran Akram and Kamran Akram, Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. Their continued focus on their staff has seen them awarded with the Investors in People “Gold Award”; which is reflected in the professional and personable approach they take in working with clients. They strive to grow and to develop, and their supportiveness and attention to detail ensures that their clients use them time and again.
Thomas Fairclough, Asons Solicitors, http://www.asons.co.uk/?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=PRWeb&utm_campaign=Tom, +44 8448501062, [email protected]
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