51AVÊÓƵ

The Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) is calling on all farmers to put their safety first, before deadlines, livestock and any other farm tasks.Ìý

UFU deputy president John McLenaghan said: "We are proud to support 51AVÊÓƵSafety Week, but it is so important to stress that we need much more than just awareness, action from our farmers is critical and potentially lifesaving. Ìý

"One split second is all it takes for a farm accident to change a life forever, and tragically, many could have been prevented.Ìý

"Farmers face constant pressure, from the unpredictable weather to never ending to do lists. However, the most important thing you can do for your farm is take care of yourself. Ìý

"Stop. Think. Make sure no corners are being cut, and that every job is carried out as safely as possible.Ìý

"We all know the saying ‘farming is more than a job, it is a way of life', but it should never come at the cost of a life. Ìý

"Whether you are just starting out or have been farming for generations, we all have a responsibility to change the culture and improve safety on our farms."Ìý

READ MORE:ÌýFarming continues to have the highest rate of worker fatalities per capita

Now in its 13th year, the week-long campaign, led by the 51AVÊÓƵSafety Foundation (Yellow Wellies),Ìýbrings together more than 400 farming and rural organisations across five countries, to raise awareness, inspire change and encourage everyone living and working in the industry to make farms safer places to work, live and visit. Ìý

Stephanie Berkeley, manager of the 51AVÊÓƵSafety Foundation said: "Over the years we have seen the attitudes and behaviours around farm safety changing but the pace of change is slow, too slow for the families of those we have lost in the industry and too slow for the thousands of farmers suffering every day with long term ill-health or serious injuries as a result of their work. Ìý

"This year's campaign offers an opportunity for a reset in the way we approach farm safety and risk-taking. Each of us can improve how we work on the farm, but we also have a responsibility not to tolerate poor safety behaviours in others. Ìý

"It is not somebody else's job to drive this change in culture, and we cannot rely on luck when going about our daily tasks, luck has a habit of running out."

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