Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots and Econ-omy Minister Gordon Lyons have met with farmer Derek Robinson, whose son came close to losing his life when he was overcome with slurry fumes, during Farm Safety Week.
Mr Poots said: “Since January 2015 there have been 35 fatalities on farms in Northern Ireland and that is just too many.
“It is vital that we encourage all those working in the farming industry to stop and think about farm safety.
“By taking some simple pre-cautions we can reduce the number of people killed and injured on our farms.
“As someone who has spent a lifetime working in the farming industry, I am well aware of the satisfaction and joy working on the farm can bring, but I also know that, all too quickly, it can turn into a nightmare if you aren’t careful with your equipment and your surroundings.
“I would encourage everyone to take the time now, to be extra careful and vigilant.
“It is vital that farmers pause and think about what they are doing before beginning work with livestock, machinery or slurry.”
Mr Lyons added: “Farm Safety Week is significant in helping to focus attention on farm safety and the measures that can be taken to ensure everyone is kept safe and out of harm’s reach.
“Derek’s story is important in that it highlights the fact that while many farms are work places they are also family homes bringing additional risks and considerations.”
