Dr. Oladele Olajide Onada:

I thank the Senator for his question and for showing an interest in farmer's lung disease. The question of whether we need legislation to enforce safe practices with regard to farming, in particular, in respect of exposure to mouldy hay and the associated risk of developing farmer's lung disease was raised. Almost everything in Ireland is done by legislation. Most people are law-abiding citizens and take things seriously when legislation is in place. When people know that there is a penalty to be paid if things are not done properly or in an appropriate manner, they take these issues seriously. Farmer's lung disease is a serious issue. People can develop farmer's lung disease if the symptoms are not detected and at times it is difficult to detect in hospitals. Most of these patients who come to the emergency department in hospitals have breathlessness and chest complaints.

At times, they might think they have asthma or bronchitis but, if one probes further and asks them about their occupation and exposure to mouldy hay, and what they have been doing over the winter months, one will be able to say what it is. Not every hospital has the facilities to make a diagnosis of farmer's lung disease because the farmers have to do a series of tests before a diagnosis is arrived at. If a farmer comes to the hospital and the diagnosis is not detected on time, and if it is a progressive disease, then over a period of five years they may actually die. Some 50% of farmers who are exposed to mouldy hay and then develop farmer's lung disease eventually die.

To look at the vital statistics for Ireland, between 1992 and 2002 there were fluctuations in the annual data. The highest number of deaths recorded was 14, but even one death from this condition is too many. We have to put in place legislative instruments that force farmers, who may not actually be doing the farming themselves but instead employ people to farm for them, to put in place technology for storage of grains or feeds which will prevent development of farmer's lung disease. It is cheaper to go the way of education and develop DVDs and pamphlets. However, we also have to consider the fact some employees on farms may have limited education and may not understand what is being communicated to them. Some employees may come from east Asia and it may take them some time to adjust to the information being given to them. It is the responsibility of the farmer under the law to put in place technology to prevent farmer's lung disease.

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 states that an employer with three or fewer employees must have a code of practice as a substitute for a safety statement. The code of practice for both tillage and livestock farmers should include risk assessment documents for the activities on the farm and a safe system of work plan for the farm. The role of the farmer, according to the 2005 Act, is to provide the following: a safe system of storage of grains, hay handling and use of hazardous substances; a safe place of work, which includes farm buildings and safe working practices and procedures; safe equipment and machinery; a safe way in and out of the farm, farm buildings and the farm yard; information for farm employees; regular training of farm employees; and high visibility clothing and personal protective equipment, which will also include the wearing of face masks and preventing exposure. There has to be some form of legislative instrument to protect employees from developing farmer's lung disease. In addition, we can also put in place videos, DVDs, e-mails and text messages reminding employees working on farms about the risks of farmer's lung disease.