MLA McCallister urges farm safety

SOUTH Down UUP MLA John McCallister has stressed the importance of farm safety particularly during the summer months when children are off school.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Jul 2010, 11:59 BST
Updated 8th Jul 2010, 18:10 BST

His call comes after a nationwide campaign was launched by NFU to improve farm safety.

Mr McCallister said, "The chilling fact is that farm related accidents are the third largest cause of fatalities in Northern Ireland after road accidents and house fires. Sadly agriculture has the highest fatality rate of any industrial sector. There have been 43 people killed from 2003-2008 and 11 of these deaths were children during these years."

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He added, "I view these statistics as a chilling reminder of the dangers of farming, as there is a tragic story behind each one of these numbers and families affected will never get over the pain."

Mr McCallister, who himself grew up on a farm, added, "There are ever present dangers on farms for children from machines such as slurry tanks, PTO shafts, tractors and other machinery. I think it is vitally important that everyone is aware of the very real risks, especially at this time of year."

Related topics:UUPNorthern Ireland