West Tyrone Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Safety First on the Farm this summer

Published: 7 July, 2010

With the summer holidays upon us Sinn Fein west Tyrone Councillor Peter Kelly has called upon those living on farms to put safety first this summer. During the summer period with children being off from school there is a marked increase in farm related accidents concerning young people.

Speaking on the issue councillor Kelly had this to say:

"I would call upon families living on farms and particularly young people themselves to put safety first this summer. Farms are often dangerous places any time of the year; however during the summer months there is a heightened danger due to the holiday period.

"In addition Summer can be a busy period for many farms and quite often young people help out on the farm whilst they are off on their summer holidays. This has seen a marked increase in farm related accidents at this time of year. I would call upon people working in the Agricultural business to put safety first this summer. This would also extend to younger children who are also at risk from farm machinery and equipment.

"Being a hill farmer for most of my life I am acutely aware of the potential for accidents on a farm setting. Many farming activities including silaging, harvesting and bailing often coincide with the school holidays and this sees an increase in the usage of agricultural plant and machinery. So I would call upon families throughout the local area to put safety first this summer to minimise the risk of any farm related accidents over the next few months.