Blair marks Farm Safety Week with reminder to remain vigilant of dangers

Alliance Party MLA John Blair has marked the ninth annual Farm Safety Week with a stark reminder to remain vigilant to the dangers of working on farms.

Mr Blair said:: “I would encourage all those working in the agriculture sector to engage in this iniative and for all farmers to stop and think about how they work on their farm to form a deeper awareness of the everyday risks of farming.”

The Alliance agriculture spokesperson added: “I was shocked and saddened to learn through tabled questions there have been of 35 fatalities on farms in Northern Ireland since January 2015.

“We must stop taking chances, stop the old habits and end bad practice. It is important all farming organisations encourage farmers to change their behaviours in relation to farm safety to prevent injuries and save lives. Relevant statutory agencies must also do what they can on awareness raising and prevention.”