The Embrace Farm Accident Support Network and how it can help
From 2010 - 2019, 214 farmers lost their lives through a farming accident. On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge Podcast, founding member of Embrace FARM (Farm Accident Support Network) Norma Rohan outlines the services it offers.
From 2010 - 2019, 214 farmers lost their lives through a farming accident. They are not just a statistic, they are a valued family member. Each time we hear of a farm accident every farmer stops for a minute as we are all connected through the farming community. On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge founding member of Embrace FARM (Farm Accident Support Network) Norma Rohan outlines the services it offers. Sorrowfully in 2020, there have been 17 deaths related to agriculture and 3 relating to fishing and aquatics.
What is Embrace FARM?
Embrace FARM is a farming organisation which was founded by Brian and Norma Rohan, a farming family from Shanahoe, County Laois in 2014. Brian and his wife Norma with extended family lost his father Liam Rohan to a sudden farm accident in 2012. Liam Rohan, in his full and healthy life, was a popular and respected farmer & represented Ireland many times at World Ploughing Championships. Liam suffered a severe blow to his head while carrying out repair work on machinery and sadly died 3 days later. Like most farming families the Rohan’s experienced great and invaluable support from neighbours and friends but were surprised to find that there was little or no emotional or practical support networks available to farm families suffering such loss.
Embrace FARM remembers those who have lost their lives, have been injured, supports survivors of farm accidents, their family members friends and the wider community. Each year Embrace FARM holds a Remembrance Service in memory of those who lost their lives in farm accidents. Due to Covid-19 unfortunately this had to take place virtually. Click here to view.
Every year somewhere between 2,000 and 2,500 accidents happen on the farms in Ireland, it’s something you never believe will happen. Norma outlines how an accident not only affects the person who has been injured but also their immediate family, home and community. Embrace FARM offer a special support group for farm accident survivors.
Embrace FARM published a very detailed booklet in conjunction with the farmers Journal in June, 2020, Building a Community of Support. Embrace FARM creates friendships with those who are in the same situation and talking to them helps because there is a since of understanding what each one is going through.
Further information here