Inspection campaign focusing on health and wellbeing begins
The Health and Safety Authority said that research has shown that farmers are at higher risk of certain health and wellness conditions due to the nature of their work.
A week-long inspection campaign focusing on the health and wellbeing of farmers begins today (Monday).
Launching the campaign, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) said that research has shown that farmers are at higher risk of certain health and wellness conditions due to the nature of their work.
These include: heart disease; stroke; overweight/obesity; back pain; stress; mental health issues; lung issues; hearing loss; skin problems; and cancers.
Earlier this year, the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee (FSPAC), an advisory committee to the HSA board, developed a health and wellbeing guide for farmers which was circulated to farms across Ireland.
HSA inspectors will be identifying and discussing the risks posed by the above health and wellness conditions with farmers during this campaign and will be promoting the guidance and resources available.
HSA senior agriculture inspector Pat Griffin explained: "We’re undertaking this inspection campaign to focus on farmer health and wellness issues and to encourage farmers to think about and consider their health and wellbeing.
"It’s critically important for farmers to recognise any health problems early and get treatment from their healthcare practitioner as early as possible. Poor health and wellbeing can also increase the risk of having a serious or fatal injury on your farm.
"We know farmers work hard to protect nature, the land, their animals, and machinery, but it’s important that they also assess and protect their own health and wellbeing and ensure it's given priority in their working lives."
