Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Farm safety is one of the most important issues facing farming today. Statistics show that accidents on farms cause more workplace deaths than all other occupations combined. Last year, 2014, was a particularly difficult year with 30 deaths on Irish farms and there have been 16 fatal farm accidents to date in 2015.

The Health and Safety Authority, a state agency of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, has a comprehensive up-to-date Farm Safety module for Primary schools, which has been in place for two years. The online module aims to teach children about farm safety. It is ideal for delivery in class via an interactive whiteboard or a computer projector.

The aims and objectives of this module correspond with the SPHE curriculum requirements for 3rd and 4th class in relation to farm safety. The module is therefore most suitable for children in 3rd and 4th class but may also be used as a ‘refresher’ lesson with more senior classes.

The module consists of two 30-40 minute lessons followed by a third quiz based lesson.

The course can be accessed at the Health and Safety Authorities’ on-line learning portal: hsalearning.ie

The Health and Safety Authority also run regular competitions for primary schools in relation to farm safety.