Students urged to become Farm ‘Champions for Safety’
Teagasc Agricultural College students have been urged to become Farm ‘Champions for Safety’ at recent seminars. These seminars were organised in advance of the commencement of student on-farm work practice in February, and were held in conjunction with the HSA, ESB Networks and sponsored by FBD Insurance.
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Champions for Safety Event at Kildalton
Teagasc Agricultural College students have been urged to become Farm ‘Champions for Safety’ at recent seminars. These seminars were organised in advance of the commencement of student on-farm work practice in February, and were held in conjunction with the HSA, ESB Networks and sponsored by FBD Insurance.
To emphasise the importance of farm safety each ‘Champions for Safety’ seminar was addressed by a victim of a farm accident, who provided details of their accident and the consequences for each victim. At the recent Kildalton College seminar, South Kilkenny farmer Ms Ann Doherty described the horrific consequences of being attacked by a bull.
Teagasc Authority and FBD Insurance plc Chairman, Mr Liam Herlihy addressed the recent Kildalton College ‘Champions for Safety’ seminar where he strongly encouraged students to prioritise farm safety. He also advised students to work closely with their host farmer to minimise the risk of an accident and maximise learning of both farm and safety management.
‘The training and experience you gain during placement will be an invaluable asset to enable you to be a ‘Champion for Safety’ in your future farming careers’, Mr Herlihy stated.
HSA, FBD Insurance and ESB Networks staff along with Teagasc staff provided details of the most common causes and consequences from farm accident occurrence along with key prevention measures.
The Champions for Safety Seminars are designed to supplement the Farm Health and Safety training provided as part of the Teagasc Certificate in Farming programme, and are sponsored and supported by FBD Insurance.
Student placement takes place on Registered Host Farms which have attained excellent health and safety standards and practices. Leading by example, host farmers undertake training on risk assessment, and undertake through student supervision to coach and encourage students to make Health and Safety a top priority in preparation for their farming careers.