Today is the first National Farm Safety Awareness Day to highlight the risks involved in what continues to be the most dangerous occupation in Ireland.

This year 14 people have been killed in farm accidents, a 70 per cent increase from this time last year. A high proportion of the deaths involved tractors and machinery.

Last year a total of 16 people, including four children, died in farm related accidents.

The Irish Farmers’ Association hopes to raise awareness about the high level of accidents on Irish farms. The IFI is asking farmers to set aside time today to review safety measures. Farmers are encouraged to adhere to the farm safety code of practice and to review their farm risk assessment.

Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney said he welcomed the initiative to encourage farmers to "farm safely".

“A farmyard can seem like a playground to a child’s eyes, particularly during the summer holiday months. However, children can’t be expected to anticipate the dangers of playing there. Therefore, parents need to see these dangers and set ground rules for children on farms,” he said.

IFA president Eddie Downey said farming is a high-risk occupation, and farmers are often tired and stressed. But they should make every effort to "avoid shortcuts".

Further information can be found in the dedicated “Farm Safety” section of the IFA website.