Support and Information from the HSA and IFA for the current times.
These are unusual times and exceptional circumstances. Many people are off work, out of work, working from home or minding children while working at home. People are having to adopt new work practices or change existing ones. People are working alone without others to rely on in emergency. Some workers can’t or are not allowed to work alone.
HSA – Lone Workers Information and Guidance
HSA – Covid-19 specific guidance and advice
Farms essential at any time and particularly busy now have the added safety concerns with children home from school.
This can lead to issues with children around tractors and machinery and as farms can be hazardous areas it is important to ensure their safety.
Farmers also have to deal with all the issues around Covid-19 safety and care. The IFA has issued comprehensive and detailed guidance on all aspects which most farmers may already have consulted.
This covers everything from Health, Safety, Finance, Schemes, Testing, Employment, SW, and contact details. If you don’t have ready access to internet, many publications are available by post.
The HSA and the IFA have issued many guides and safety advice to help with all these areas and more.
HSA and IFA Offices are closed in accordance with the guidelines but staff are still available to contact by phone, email or contact form from the websites.
HSA – Young and Elderly on Farm – Comprehensive Info
HSA – Children on Farms – Guides and safety check list
IFA Family Farm Safety – videos and resources for families and children Many different resources and videos for all ages
HSA Child Tractor safety Info and Video
HSA farm safety blitz to focus on livestock handling
HSA Child Safety on Farms booklet
Safe Safe on the Farm with Jessy – Kids Book
Farm and Animal Safety – Kids book
The old and the young are exceptionally vulnerable to death and injury on Irish farms and unfortunately accident rates remain higher than other industries
So it is important to be aware of the high risk areas on the farm.
While children are off school it might be useful to consider learning about farm safety to be an important part of their education. The videos provide information suitable for all ages, they are never too young to learn.
AgriAware – DigIn – Farm information website for Primary and Secondary
AgriAware Farm Safety for Primary
AgriKids Fun Farm Safety website
(Very sad note – this article was prepared earlier this week. Unfortunately in the meantime, the death of a child in a tragic accident was reported in Ireland. Deepest and heartfelt sympathies to the families, friend and neighbours, it is a most devastating thing to happen to any family. RIP)