This article is from page 37 of the 2007-07-10 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 37 JPG
FARM safety took centre stage this week with a number of organisation launching awareness campaigns aim- ing at preventing tragedies on Irish farms over the summer months.
Despite the weather, summer work on farms across the county has been continuing into late in the evening with farmers anxious to take advan- tage of any break in the weather.
Last week the IFA and the Road Safety Authority got together to launch a joint road safety strategy aimed at ensuring the safety of farm- MASP IMCLENN OTN oe
All road users were warned to ex- pect an increase in the number of agricultural vehicles using the roads
over the next few months and the IFA and RSA have called for increased vigilance for all.
‘I am advising farmers to be safety conscious whenever bringing a farm vehicle onto the public road,” said IFA President, Padraig Walshe
‘Farmers should be aware of traf- fic building up behind them and keep left where possible to allow other vehicles pass safely. I would appeal to other road users to show patience when encountering farm machinery on the road. With understanding on both sides, the roads can be safer for everybody’, he added.
Road users are being advised to watch out for tractors, trailers and other farm machinery exiting from fields and farm yards and to exercise
caution when travelling behind or meeting such vehicles on the public road.
Drivers of agricultural vehicles are also being reminded that they are governed by road traffic laws on driver licensing, insurance, standards in relation to vehicle roadworthiness, vehicle lighting and motor tax.
“Your driving mirror must provide an adequate view of the road to the rear.
“Do not carry a passenger unless the tractor is equipped to carry one and the trailer should not be used for transporting people unless it has pro- vision for carrying them,” said Noel Brett, CEO, Road Safety Authority.
“All agricultural vehicles must have proper working brakes on both trac-
tor and trailer units and must be fit- ted with lights, reflectors and indica- tors. In addition a vehicle should not be loaded in such a way that would make it unstable on the road, and beware of low bridges, overhanging trees, overhead cables and uneven road surfaces which could cause the load to shift and possibly overturn.”
Meanwhile, an internationally re- nowned expert on accident preven- tion will speak at the forthcoming National Seminar on Occupational Safety and Health in Agriculture.
Dr Juha Suutarinen of Agrifood Research, Finland will outline the key findings of a major study in Fin- land on the relationships between farm management and causes of farm accidents.