Teagasc Financial Statements 2017 Tom Doherty to: [email protected]23/10/2018 16:58 History: This message has been replied to. Margaret, Please find attached Teagasc’s response to your recent request for information in relation to Teagasc Financial Statements 2017. Please come back to me if you require anything further. Regards Tom ___________________________________ Chief Operations Officer, Teagasc Head Office, Oak Park, Carlow, Co. Carlow Tel: 059 9183405, Mob: 087 2365256 Web: www . teagasc . ie Attention: This e-mail is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient please delete the message and notify the sender. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author. This email was scanned by Teagasc and has been certified virus free with the pattern file currently in use. This however cannot guarantee that it does not contain malicious content. Tabhair aire: Tá an r-phost seo faoi phribhléid agus faoi rún. Mura tusa an duine a bhí beartaithe leis an teachtaireacht seo a fháil, scrios é le do thoil agus cuir an seoltóir ar an eolas. Is leis an údar amháin aon dearcaí nó tuairimí a léirítear. Scanadh an r-phost seo le Teagasc agus deimhníodh go raibh sé saor ó víoras leis an bpatrúnchomhad atá in úsáid faoi láthair. Ní féidir a ráthú leis seo áfach nach bhfuil ábhar mailíseach ann. HSA Infographic Apr FarmDeathsV8 copy.pdf HSA Infographic Apr FarmDeathsV8 copy.pdf Farm_Safety_Action_Plan_2016-2018.pdf Farm_Safety_Action_Plan_2016-2018.pdf Farm Accidents Data Analysis.docx Farm Accidents Data Analysis.docx Teagasc response to PAC.docx Teagasc response to PAC.docx PAC RFI.pdf PAC RFI.pdf PAC32-R-1682 B Meeting 08/11/2018
Transcript
Teagasc Financial Statements 2017Tom Doherty to: [email protected] 23/10/2018 16:58
History: This message has been replied to.
Margaret,
Please find attached Teagasc’s response to your recent request for information in relation to Teagasc Financial Statements 2017.
Please come back to me if you require anything further.
Regards
Tom___________________________________Chief Operations Officer, TeagascHead Office, Oak Park, Carlow, Co. CarlowTel: 059 9183405, Mob: 087 2365256Web: www.teagasc.ie
Attention: This e-mail is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient please delete the message and notify the sender. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author. This email was scanned by Teagasc and has been certified virus free with the pattern file currently in use. This however cannot guarantee that it does not contain malicious content. Tabhair aire: Tá an r-phost seo faoi phribhléid agus faoi rún. Mura tusa an duine a bhí beartaithe leis an teachtaireacht seo a fháil, scrios é le do thoil agus cuir an seoltóir ar an eolas. Is leis an údar amháin aon dearcaí nó tuairimí a léirítear. Scanadh an r-phost seo le Teagasc agus deimhníodh go raibh sé saor ó víoras leis an bpatrúnchomhad atá in úsáid faoi láthair. Ní féidir a ráthú
leis seo áfach nach bhfuil ábhar mailíseach ann. HSA Infographic Apr FarmDeathsV8 copy.pdfHSA Infographic Apr FarmDeathsV8 copy.pdf
Farm_Safety_Action_Plan_2016-2018.pdfFarm_Safety_Action_Plan_2016-2018.pdf Farm Accidents Data Analysis.docxFarm Accidents Data Analysis.docxTeagasc response to PAC.docxTeagasc response to PAC.docx
PAC RFI.pdfPAC RFI.pdf
PAC32-R-1682 B Meeting 08/11/2018
1
Meeting of Teagasc with the Public Accounts Committee 04/10/18
Request for Additional Information
CREMINS
Typewritten Text
PAC32-R-1682(i) B Meeting 08/11/2018
2
1. A note on how advisory fees are determined and a breakdown of any debts attached with same.
The advisory fee payable by an individual farmer to Teagasc depends on the size and scale of the farm and the type of service required by the farmer.
1. Larger farms tend to have higher advisory fees. This is based on a computation of Farm Income Units (FIU) for each farm enterprise – see Farm
Income Units Calculation - April 2016 at www.teagasc.ie/about/farm-advisory/advisory-services/advisory-charges/
2. The advisory fee payable by an individual farmer varies depending on the type of service required by the farmer. For example, a farmer who
requires a farm visit or additional services or participates in an additional programme will generally have a higher advisory fee. See latest Teagasc
Advisory Charges Summary - July 2018 at www.teagasc.ie/about/farm-advisory/advisory-services/advisory-charges/
Advisory fees are reviewed periodically by Teagasc management to plan for the implementation of appropriate charges for all new programmes and
activities.
Each year when the annual budgeting process is underway advisory charges are also reviewed. Overall changes in charges are proposed depending on
the budget requirements and in consideration of the cost of provision of the various services.
All advisory fees proposed by management must be reviewed and approved by:
1. The Teagasc Authority Advisory and Education Committee
2. The Teagasc Authority
3. The Department of Agriculture Food and Marine
4. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
2. Regional Analysis (if possible county analysis) of the three categories in relation to viable farming.
The National Farm Survey (NFS) is not designed to provide estimates of farm incomes at a county level and as a result cannot provide such
information.
The NFS is designed to provide estimates of family farm income and agricultural activities on farms at National and NUTS 3 levels of aggregation
only. Full details of the performance of the “average” NFS farm in each of the 7 regions analysed is presented in Table 14 of the annual Teagasc NFS
report that is available at https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2018/NFS2017_web.pdf
As is clear from the data presented in Table 14a there are sizeable differences in average income levels across the regions. This in large measure
reflects the differing types of agricultural activities that predominate in the different regions of Ireland as well as differences in the average farm size
across the different regions analysed. Table 14b provides information on resources (agricultural land, farm animals, labour units) on the average farm
in each region.
The Teagasc NFS sample has an economic size threshold that excludes farms with less than €8,000 of standard output. The population covered by the
2017 survey of 84,599 farms is considerably smaller than the total population of Irish farms estimated by the most recent CSO Farm Structures Survey
conducted in 2016 to be 137,100 farms.
See Appendix 2 of the 2017 Teagasc NFS report at the link provided above for more information on the Teagasc NFS Sample.
The small farms not covered by the Teagasc NFS are unlikely to be distributed evenly across Ireland’s regions (see Table 2.3 of the 2016 CSO FSS
that shows that close to 40% of farms in the West region have Standard Output < €8,000 as compared to 32% of farms nationally).
More information on the income levels of such farms and how they compare to those covered by the annual Teagasc NFS can be found in the recent
Teagasc Small Farms Survey publication available at https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2017/Small-Farms-Survey.pdf . Teagasc
intends to periodically survey this sub-population of farms so as to provide policy makers and the general public with information on the economic
performance of these farms as well as information on their social and environmental sustainability.
The only official data that are available on agricultural activity and farm structures at a county level are those provided in the Census of Agriculture.
Full details of the most recent Census (2010) are available from the CSO website at
3. A note on the increase in financial charges in 2017
The increase in financial charges can be explained as follows:
2017 2016
€ '000 € '000
Financial charges
Bank interest and charges 124 76
Increase in bank charges including negative interest on
deposits in 2017
Bad debt provision/write off 315 19
Increase in Bad Debt provision in 2017 arises from
changes in the Teagasc Advisory Billing Policy. It was
decided to invoice farmers when their contracts became
due rather than to wait for farmers to first draw down
services under the contract. When invoiced they became
a debtor and the income is recognised in the accounts.
Some farmers may decide not to renew their contract so
the income recognised is then written off against the bad
debt provision. This was a change in the technical
treatment of these accounts and does not represent a
“real” increase in bad debts as there was a matching
increase in income.
439 95
6
4. A comparative note regarding pay and pensions with similar international organisations
Unfortunately it has not been possible to find pay and pensions data for similar international organisations in order to make a reasonable comparison.
Whilst there are international organisations operating in the same areas as Teagasc there are no organisations with a similar scale and mix of
operations.
Teagasc staff are remunerated on DPER and DAFM approved pay scales and Teagasc pensioners are paid in accordance with the terms of the model
defined benefit superannuation scheme.
7
5. A note on the percentage of land owned by Teagasc that is in forestry
Of the 1704 ha of land owned by Teagasc 284 ha are either in forest or woodlands.
8
6. A breakdown of the €345,000 in consultancy costs
The following is a breakdown of consultancy costs in 2017
Other Consultancy Costs 2017
Heritage Centre (Johnstown Castle) Establishment €59,974
Heritage Centre (Johnstown Castle) Designworks €7,926
Heritage Centre (Johnstown Castle) Irish Heritage Trust €18,905
UCD/UCC €71,820
IUFoST - Conference Partners €50,323
Means testing for student grant applications (service) €43,508
Moodle consultancy €18,906
Evaluation of library service €11,950
Greenville Procurement Partners €10,021
Honoraria for evaluation reviews €7,590
Innovation awards evaluation €4,501
Training and coaching €4,450
Mapping €3,091
Consultancy re EIP applications €2,546
Open Day Demo consultancy €1,800
Conference speaker €1,632
Compliance with FoI Act €1,603
Communications consultancy €1,541
IP consultancy €1,350
Various other €22,043
€345,480
9
7. A breakdown by county of farm deaths to include cause and age profile over the past 10 years
The current national arrangements relating to occupational health and safety (OHS) regulation and promotion of adoption at farm level are as follows:
The Health and Safety Authority (H.S.A) is the statutory body with responsibility for overseeing implementation of Safety, Health and Welfare
legislation. The H.S.A. has a statutory advisory sub-committee known as the Farm Safety Partnership ( FSP) which is representative of farming and
State organisations and has responsibility for the promotion of agricultural OHS (please see accompanying document). The FSP is currently chaired by
Prof. James Phelan and Teagasc is represented by Dr John McNamara Health and Safety Specialist. The FSP prepared a three year Farm Safety
Action Plan 2016-2018 which outlines six goals to reduce levels of farm accidents and ill health. At each FSP meeting (4 per annum) monitoring
takes place of implementation of actions listed under each goal.
Teagasc and the H.S.A. operate a Joint Prevention Initiative in association with the FSP, whereby joint initiatives are undertaken to assist farmers to
improve farm OHS. This Initiative was renewed in 2018 and it includes areas for joint action until year 2020.
The following data related to farm deaths for 2018 to date has been supplied provisionally by the H.S.A. The data indicates that to-date 16 farm deaths
have been reported to the H.S.A. The age breakdown indicates that the majority of farm deaths were among farmers aged 65 or over (62.5%).
Children/ Young persons under 18yrs: 1
Farmers aged 65 or over: 10
Other Farmers: 3
Other farm services: 2
The following table, provided by the HSA, gives the number of farm deaths by county over the period 2008-2017.
10
The following charts, supplied by the HSA, give the main causes of death in agriculture and forestry over the period 2008-2017.
36
16 14 13 12
10 10 9 9 9 8 7 7 7 6 5 5 5 4 4 4 3 3 2 1 1 0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Number of farm deaths 2008-2017 by County
Number of deaths
11
Tractor vehicle, 64, 31%
Machinery, 42, 20% Drowning /Gas, 20, 10%
Fall from Height, 22, 11%
Livestock, 28, 13%
Falling object, 15, 7%
Electrical, 3, 1%
Timber, 13, 6% Other, 3, 1%
Main causes of deaths in Agriculture and Forestry over the last 10 years 2008-2017
Total 210
12
Falling object, 3, 13%
Drowning/Gas, 2, 9%
Tractor Vehicle, 8, 35%
Machinery, 9, 39%
Electrics, 1, 4%
Deaths of Children (aged 16 or less) on farms 2008-2017
Total 23
13
The H.S.A. has no data on the number of accident victims who were farming on their own, however, the H.S.A. estimates that approximately 90% of
victims were working on their own when the accident took place.
Tractor vehicle, 27, 36%
Machinery, 8, 11% Livestock, 16, 22%
Timber, 3, 4%
Falling object, 6, 8%
Fall from height, 10, 14%
Drown/gas, 3, 4% Other, 1, 1%
Deaths to Older Farmers ( aged 65 or older) 2008-2017
Total 74
14
8. A note on the number of farm accidents for the last ten years with details on age profile and the circumstances surrounding the accident
Many accidents go unreported, however, the accompanying report, based on the National Farm Survey, provides a recent analysis of farm accidents.
15
9. A breakdown of the operational income of the KT unit.
The following is the data requested:
Knowledge Transfer Operational Income 2017 Advisory Education Total
€ '000 € '000 € '000
Advisory service fees 11,649
11,649
Training Course fee income 2,646 2,711 5,357
Analysis fees* 875 3 878
Other farming operations
912 912
Publications and miscellaneous 64 29 93
15,234 3,655 18,889
* e.g. soil analysis.
16
10. A note on the reduction in the operating surplus to include a schedule of the areas where the reduction in profit occurred
The following is a schedule of the 2016 v 2017 income and expenditure variances which gave rise to a reduced operating surplus in 2017. Teagasc is
not a commercial State Body and as such its objective is to breakeven, not to make a profit.
2017 2016 Change Notes on changes
€ '000 € '000 € '000
Increase/
(Reduction)
in income
INCOME
Vote 30: Agriculture, Food and the Marine Grant-in-
aid for general expenses 118,140 116,534 1,606 Increase in Grant in Aid allocation
Grant for human resource purposes 10,500 10,500 0 No change
Food research and agriculture research 4,323 4,310 13 Small change
Stimulus collaborative research programme 3,927 5,319 (1,392) Stimulus projects nearing completion in 2017
GLAS scheme 783 0 783 New scheme in 2017
Beef genomics scheme 150 2,315 (2,165) Scheme finished at end of 2016
Knowledge transfer programme 4,055 1,822 2,233 3 Year scheme commenced in mid-2016
Carbon navigator 36 1,745 (1,709) Scheme finished at end of 2016
Grant for forestry publicity and awareness and
training 600 600 0 No change
Grant for forestry education 77 63 14 Small change
Total Oireachtas Grants 142,591 143,208 (617) Combination of above increases and decreases
EU funding 2,016 1,898 118 Small change
Sale of livestock 3,926 3,064 862 Increase in livestock prices in 2017
Operational income 33,603 32,774 829
Combination of reduction in advisory fee income
and increases in course fees, other fees (research)
and farming operations
Net deferred funding for retirement benefits (3,507) 2,562 (6,069) Does not effect the net position as the same
17
2017 2016 Change Notes on changes
€ '000 € '000 € '000
amounts are included in expenditure
(Loss)\ gain on disposal of fixed assets (192) 1,062 (1,254)
No sales of land in 2017, some trade ins and
write offs of old plant/equip
Other grants, donations and voluntary levies 3,222 3,779 (557)
Teagasc received a VAT refund on a one-off
type donation in 2016
Sale of goods 71 127 (56) Small change
Research and technology services 1,488 1,182 306 Small change
Total Income 183,218 189,656 (6,438)
EXPENDITURE
(Increase)/
Reduction
in
expenditure
Pay 72,817 70,789 (2,028)
Average no. of staff increased by 19 in 2017 and
pay rates increased slightly
Travelling and subsistence 5,394 4,999 (395)
Increase in activity on externally funded
projects. Most of the increased spend
reclaimable from project funders.
Staff training 686 639 (47) Small change
General operating expenses (Note 8) 41,835 42,384 549
Combination of small changes, the largest being
a reduction in external analysis costs. A research
project with significant external analysis costs
was undertaken in 2016.
Financial charges 439 95 (344)
Increase in bank charges in bad debt provision in
2017
Depreciation 7,272 7,380 108 Small change
Grants to private colleges 2,959 3,037 78 Small change
Student grants 606 752 146 Small change
Cost of livestock purchases 650 816 166 Small change
18
2017 2016 Change Notes on changes
€ '000 € '000 € '000
Reversal of impairment loss (102) 0 102 Small change
Cost of research and development services 130 136 6 Small change
Walsh fellowship grants 6,102 5,956 (146) Small change
Other grants 518 563 45 Small change
Retirement benefits 38,889 44,160 5,271
Includes matching cost for net deferred funding
for retirement benefits above which accounts for
reduction of €6,069k. Increase of 19 in average
no. of pensioners and small increase in pension
rates.
Total Expenditure 178,195 181,706 (3,511)
Operating Surplus 5,023 7,950 (2,927)
Reduction in operating surplus of €2.927m is the
combination of the above changes.
19
11. A schedule of the land and property rented including the rates that are paid
Review of health and safety in agriculture ................................................................................... 03
Review of Farm Safety Action Plan (2013–2015) ....................................................................... 06
Farm Safety Action Plan Goals (2016–2018) .............................................................................. 09
Actions to meet goals for Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018) .......................................... 10
APPENDIX 1 – Terms of reference of Farm Safety Partnership ............................................ 21
APPENDIX 2 – Membership of Farm Safety Partnership ........................................................ 22
APPENDIX 3 – Working groups .................................................................................................... 23
Published in 2016 by the Health and Safety Authority, The Metropolitan Building, James Joyce Street, Dublin 1.
2 Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018)
Foreword from ChairpersonThe agriculture sector, which is one of the most hazardous sectors globally, continues to have a poor occupational safety and health record. Each year fatalities in the sector account for between 30% and 50% of all workplace deaths, while farms make up just 6% of workplaces. Approximately 2,500 non-fatal incidents causing injury take place annually on Irish farms. (Teagasc, National Farm Survey, 2011).
Farm injuries and ill health cause much suffering to farm families and can also lead to significant farm business losses. Research has shown that farm family members suffer over 90% of injuries on farms. Most injuries actually occur in the farmyard and most are predictable and indeed preventable.
The Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee, an advisory committee to the Board of the Health and Safety Authority, has made considerable progress in raising awareness of farm safety. There is also recognition that safety standards across the sector show signs of improvement. However, progress in reducing the overall rate of fatal and serious injuries on farms has been slow. Achieving a cultural change
will be a key part of achieving a sustained reduction in the rate of these fatal and serious injuries in the sector.
Farm safety is not just an Irish issue; it
is also a European issue. While there is some cooperation on the island of Ireland and in the Nordic region, there is little at a European level. A greater sharing of information, particularly in researching best approaches, should be supported.
The Farm Safety Partnership is now introducing this new three-year plan. The overall objective of the plan is to reduce the level of fatalities, ill health and serious injuries in the agriculture sector.
The Farm Safety Partnership has set itself six goals, to be achieved between 2016 and 2018. Actions to achieve these goals are set out in this plan.
Prof James Phelan, Chairperson
Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018) 3
IntroductionThe Farm Safety Action Plan (2013–2015) was developed by the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee, an advisory committee of the Board of the Health and Safety Authority, and sets out the goals and associated actions in relation to improving occupational safety and health in agriculture. The new Plan (2016–2018) builds on the achievements and actions of the previous plans.
The agricultural sector has entered a positive expansion phase and provides an important contribution to Ireland’s economy. However, this sector faces significant challenges in the achievement of the necessary improvements in occupational safety and health standards. Tractors and machinery and incidents involving livestock are the areas of greatest concern and will be a central focus in this new plan.
Review of health and safety in agricultureFatal accidents
The Census of Agriculture 2010 estimated there were 139,829 active farms in Ireland in 2010. (Source: CSO – Census of Agriculture 2010).
In total it is estimated that approximately 500,000 persons are exposed to health and safety risks on Irish farms.
Fatal accidents in agriculture and forestry sectors in the last five years:
2011 22
2012 21
2013 16
2014 30
2015 19
The most recent figures available show that the rate of fatalities for all sectors of our economy is 2.5 per 100,000. The rate for construction is 9 per 100,000, while the rate for agriculture is 13.0 per 100,000. The average rate of farm fatalities is said to be 12.0 per 100,000 in the EU; however, this is based on quite limited data. The rate is up to 30.0 per 100,000 in some parts of the USA.
4 Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018)
The major causes of farm deaths have remained consistent for many years.
Figure 1 outlines the major causes of farm deaths in the latest 10-year period (2006–2015).
Figure 1: Causes of farm deaths in the 10-year period (2006–2015)
(Source: Health and Safety Authority)
Deaths in agriculture, unlike many other sectors, generally involve either the farmer or family members, and this includes children and elderly persons.
A recent analysis of the fatal accidents from 1993 to 2014 found that the majority of fatal accidents occurred between 9am and 6pm with the majority occurring between 11am and 12pm.
Another notable pattern is the day of the week. Most accidents happen on a Friday, followed by Saturday and Sunday.
Looking at the months of the year and accident frequency, June and July are the two that stand out with the most accidents.
Age is a major contributory factor in farm accidents in Ireland (both fatal and non-fatal), with the average age of an Irish farmer now
standing at 57 years.
Examination of fatal accidents on farms over the more recent 5-year period (2008–2014) showed that fatalities to farmers in the 45–64 age bracket to be much more pronounced than the long-term average from the longer period of 1993–2014 (See Figure 2 below).
Figure 2: Average annual fatality rate (1993-2014 and 2008-2014) (Source: Teagasc, 2015)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Others, 4,2%
Tractors, farmvehicles, 57,29%
0.0%
2.0%
4.0%
6.0%
8.0%
10.0%
0-14yrs
15-29yrs
30-44yrs
45-64yrs
65+yrsyrs
Figure 1: Fatal Accident Trends
TotalChildren
Older FarmersAged 17-64
Machinery,37, 19%
Total: 194
Livestock26, 14%
Drowning/gas,20, 10%
Falls from height,20, 10%
Falling objects,collapses, 14, 7%
Timber-related,13, 7%
Electrocution,3, 2%
Total: 194
Others, 4,2%
Tractors, farmvehicles, 57,29%
Machinery,37, 19%
Livestock26, 14%
Drowning/gas,20, 10%
Falls from height,20, 10%
Falling objects,collapses, 14, 7%
Timber-related,13, 7%
Electrocution,3, 2%
2008-2014 average1993 -2014 average
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
Dairy Dairy &other
livestock
Sheep Suckler Drystock Tillage
% i
nju
ry r
ate
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Others, 4,2%
Tractors, farmvehicles, 57,29%
0.0%
2.0%
4.0%
6.0%
8.0%
10.0%
0-14yrs
15-29yrs
30-44yrs
45-64yrs
65+yrsyrs
Figure 1: Fatal Accident Trends
TotalChildren
Older FarmersAged 17-64
Machinery,37, 19%
Total: 194
Livestock26, 14%
Drowning/gas,20, 10%
Falls from height,20, 10%
Falling objects,collapses, 14, 7%
Timber-related,13, 7%
Electrocution,3, 2%
Total: 194
Others, 4,2%
Tractors, farmvehicles, 57,29%
Machinery,37, 19%
Livestock26, 14%
Drowning/gas,20, 10%
Falls from height,20, 10%
Falling objects,collapses, 14, 7%
Timber-related,13, 7%
Electrocution,3, 2%
2008-2014 average1993 -2014 average
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
Dairy Dairy &other
livestock
Sheep Suckler Drystock Tillage
% in
jury
rate
Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018) 5
Injury and illness in agriculture
Statistics relating to injury and illness are difficult to compile. This is due to the gross under-reporting of farm accidents and injuries by farmers, despite the legal obligation to do so. The 2011 National Farm Survey indicated that farm injuries have increased by 35%, with 2,459 injuries per 100,000 farms reported for the year 2010 compared to the previous survey estimate of 1,815 per 100,000 for 2006.
As indicated in Figure 3 below, farms with ‘dairying’ (11%), ‘dairying and other livestock’ (12.9%) and ‘sheep’ (10.9%) all reported higher rates of injury than ‘sucklers’ (6.1%), ‘drystock’ (6.1%) and ‘tillage’ farms (6.7%).
Figure 3: Injury rate for various enterprises (Teagasc, National Farm Survey, 2011)
Occupational ill health
There are many risks to health in farming. Farming as an occupation predisposes people to health problems. The principal causes of ill health in farming are musculoskeletal conditions, skin and respiratory diseases and hearing damage from noise exposure. Lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes type 2 and hypertension are common in today’s society. Recent Irish research found that farmers are disproportionately affected by lifestyle diseases.
The Centre of Men’s Health, at the Institute of Technology Carlow and the Irish Heart Foundation funded a Master’s research assessing the effectiveness of a health promotion initiative targeted at Irish farmers.
The findings of the research point to a need for an increased focus on local follow-up supports which prompt farmers to make more effective use of health services and enable them to make changes to lifestyle and health behaviours.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Others, 4,2%
Tractors, farmvehicles, 57,29%
0.0%
2.0%
4.0%
6.0%
8.0%
10.0%
0-14yrs
15-29yrs
30-44yrs
45-64yrs
65+yrsyrs
Figure 1: Fatal Accident Trends
TotalChildren
Older FarmersAged 17-64
Machinery,37, 19%
Total: 194
Livestock26, 14%
Drowning/gas,20, 10%
Falls from height,20, 10%
Falling objects,collapses, 14, 7%
Timber-related,13, 7%
Electrocution,3, 2%
Total: 194
Others, 4,2%
Tractors, farmvehicles, 57,29%
Machinery,37, 19%
Livestock26, 14%
Drowning/gas,20, 10%
Falls from height,20, 10%
Falling objects,collapses, 14, 7%
Timber-related,13, 7%
Electrocution,3, 2%
2008-2014 average1993 -2014 average
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
Dairy Dairy &other
livestock
Sheep Suckler Drystock Tillage
% in
jury
rate
6 Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018)
Review of Farm Safety Action Plan 2013–2015The Farm Safety Partnership has met 14 times over a three year period since 2013.
The Farm Safety Action Plan 2013–2015 set out five goals under which a total of 40 actions were listed. On review of these, 37 of the actions have achieved satisfactory outcomes. Work on the three remaining actions has commenced, and completion of these will carry over to the new Farm Safety Action Plan 2016–2018.
Some of the key actions and achievements have included:
• The level of awareness of farm safety amongst farmers and the farming community has undergone a significant increase in the last three years. This has been achieved through focused campaigns in the media and amongst the farming community.
• Many farming organisations have undertaken farm safety awareness initiatives without need for HSA support. In particular the foundation of the Embrace FARM organisation, which gives support to bereaved members of families following a
fatal farm accident, has contributed greatly to the importance attributed to farm safety.
• FBD Insurance have set up a ‘Champions for Change’ campaign aimed at creating a nationwide community of interest, discussion and support around the farm safety issue using digital technology.
• The IFA launched a ’Save Lives’ campaign to encourage farmers to change their working practices, to be more responsive to the potential dangers and to take preventative action to reduce the risks.
• The Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) has incorporated mandatory farm safety training as a condition of TAMSII grant schemes. This is a most welcome development in the support available to farmers to enable improvements to be made to their safety facilities.
• In another significant development, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has also made dealing with occupational health and safety a mandatory element in all new knowledge transfer groups. Facilitators of these groups will be provided with support to deliver practical occupational safety and health knowledge.
Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018) 7
• The level of farm safety visits of farms carried out by inspectors of the Health and Safety Authority has doubled to 2,300 per annum, in comparison with previous farm safety action plans. Furthermore, the benefits of such farm safety visits (inspections) have been widely acknowledged by farmers, farm organisations and also by ESRI research. The farm safety visits (inspections) have indicated an increased level of compliance, with a good response to corrective actions highlighted during the visit. A two-weekly farm safety campaign was held each April using a combination of farm safety visits (inspections) and media to monitor and highlight the current state of farm safety compliance.
• The amount of information resources on farm safety has been increased substantially. New DVDs, videos and survivor stories have been published. Additional guidance and information sheets have been published and made available on websites of the HSA and members of the Farm Safety Partnership.
• A collection of all farm safety information published by the HSA, including farm safety videos, have been compiled into a 16Gb USB memory stick titled ‘Your Key to Farm Safety’. The initiative was jointly sponsored by DAFM and HSA and will enable access to these resources offline and without necessity for a connection to the internet. These memory sticks will be made available predominately to facilitators of discussion groups/knowledge transfer groups, agricultural advisors, trainers and agricultural colleges, with a limited amount available to Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee FSPAC member organisations.
• The Farm Safety Partnership has been acknowledged for providing farm safety exhibits and bringing the farm safety message to major agricultural shows. Exhibits were provided at the Tullamore Show, the Moorepark dairy event, the Athenry sheep event and the farm machinery show. A major exhibit was provided annually at the National Ploughing Championships, which incorporated farm safety demonstrations that attracted huge interest.
• Online resources for farm safety have been increased. The online COP/risk assessment facility has been updated and while the number of farmers using the online facility has increased, more utilisation is required. The provision of eLearning courses on farm safety through the HSA’s eLearning portal www.hsalearning.ie is a significant development, especially for the engagement of children in farm safety and the online slurry-handling course.
• Initiatives have been made by several FSPAC member organisations to engage children and young persons in farm safety awareness, including applications through social media and multimedia competitions for post-primary schools.
• The partners have supported the extensive provision of farm safety awareness sessions in the agricultural colleges.
• A national farm safety conference has been held annually to highlight current progress and the challenges in the farm safety arena.
• Research has been carried out on the psycho-social factors influencing farmers risk-taking behaviour, along with musculoskeletal disorders amongst farmers. Research work
8 Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018)
on technological solutions, including the use of smart technologies to prevent farm accidents, is underway.
• The risks associated with forestry work have been highlighted at forestry events. New guidance on farm forestry and chainsaw competency was produced.
• A special emphasis has been placed on the risks to children and elderly on the farm. Farm safety information resources have been circulated to all primary schools, in particular the Agri Aware ‘Dig In’ pack and the Stay Safe on the Farm with Jessy book. The ‘Keep Safe on the Farm’ classroom e-learning resource for primary schools, available at www.hsalearning.ie is being strongly promoted by the HSA. Agri Aware also ran numerous farm safety competitions. Farm safety visits have been made to a number of rural schools by IFA representatives.
• Farmers’ health issues have been highlighted through engagement of external health-
related organisations at farm safety meetings and events. Free health checks have been made available at many agricultural shows. Information on mental health and stress matters has also been supported. A publication, Stay Fit for Farming, which addressed many farmers’ health issues, was published.
• A few actions which have not been completed include work with farm machinery manufacturers to improve design and safety features, the development of DVDs on the five most common farming health problems and for high-risk activities on farms. These actions will be brought forward for completion early in the new plan.
A significant development over the period of the plan was the extent of farm safety and health-related projects and initiatives undertaken within the sector without involvement of the Health and Safety Authority.
Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018) 9
The following are the six goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018):
1. To achieve cultural behavioural change in health and safety of persons working in the agricultural sector through research, education and training.
2. To develop programmes that will foster innovative approaches and deliver engineering solutions to reduce the risks to persons working in agriculture.
3. To reduce the level of death and injury arising from tractor and machinery use.
4. To establish initiatives to reduce the level of death and injuries arising from working with livestock.
5. To ensure high standards of health and safety are adopted in forestry and timber work on farms.
6. To implement programmes for the protection of health and wellbeing of persons, including vulnerable groups, working in agriculture.
Farm Safety Action Plan Goals (2016–2018)
10 Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018)
Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)The following are the series of actions to achieve the goals of the action plan.
1. To achieve cultural behavioural change in health and safety of persons working in the agricultural sector through research, education and training.
(Working group leaders FBD/ Teagasc)
Objective Actions
1.1
1.2
Undertake behavioural-based research to tackle high-risk activities in agriculture.
Ensure focused training and education for health and safety on farms is made available.
Appointment of new FBD farm safety lecturer in University College Dublin.
Annual farm safety attitude and behaviour-based survey of Irish farmers to be carried out.
Identify, initiate, drive and support research such as Masters or PhD studies in critical areas.
Include farm safety element in the National Farm Survey 2016 (Teagasc).
ESRI to carry out further research using the GL Noble Denton report on Determining Underlying Psycho-social Factors Influencing Farmers’ Risk-related Behaviours (Both Positively and Negatively) in the Republic of Ireland.
Identify, initiate, drive and support research for technological solutions with Telecommunications Software & Systems Group (TSSG), WIT and other institutions.
Carry out research on information gathered from HSA farm safety visits (inspections) and fatal accident investigations.
Review, update and promote the farm safety COP as the foundation document for farm health and safety.
Continue to promote and provide training on the farm safety risk assessment.
Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)
Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018) 11
Objective Actions
1.3 Ensure focused media campaigns in relation to farm safety risks and behaviours are undertaken.
Promote the use of contracting and employing additional labour units to manage periods of high workload.
Engagement with discussion group/knowledge transfer model to address farm safety.
Promote Farmer to Farmer mentoring/support systems.
Promote the safety elements of pesticide training and sprayer testing.
Maintain and update farm safety module delivered as part of all Green Cert agricultural courses.
Maintain and further develop the farm safety module delivered at UCD.
‘Champions for Change’ farm safety seminars to be delivered to all agricultural colleges annually.
Drive and support the inclusion of health and safety as a component of the Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science syllabus.
Influence future EU policy to include health and safety training as a requirement of future EU-funded schemes.
Continue to develop and promote online courses on farm safety for use in primary and post-primary education and for inclusion in national farm safety training programmes on the Authority’s e-learning portal www.hsalearning.ie.
Work with Embrace FARM, GAA and other relevant organisations to promote health and safety on farms.
Initiate, drive and support farm safety media campaigns in national and local media, including an all-island focused campaign.
Promote and encourage good farm safety behaviours, particularly around tractors and machinery, livestock, slurry, and work at height.
Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018) Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)
12 Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018)
Objective Actions
1.4
1.5
Adopt regular messaging on farm safety risks through social media, email and texting.
Support farm safety conferences and seminars.
Support legislative and agricultural schemes for farm safety compliance.
Expand communication and participation of farmers in the FBD ‘Champions for Change’ campaign (CFC), incorporating, for example, the CFC microsite, CFC partners and CFC Champions.
Increased farm safety messaging on good practices through farm media.
Devise and transmit monthly farm safety and health themes, through texts, email, and social media by FSP member organisations.
Organise and run an annual national farm safety conference on critical issues such as tractors and machinery, livestock and working at height.
Provide farm safety exhibits at major national agricultural events.
Encourage farmers to avail and comply with the farm safety elements of the TAMS schemes.
Support Bord Bia quality schemes in ensuring improved occupational health and safety standards.
Influence and support HSA compliance visits.
Develop a simplified guide/leaflet to the Act and Regulations/COP showing the legislation that applies to farmers.
Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)
Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018) 13
Objective Actions
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
Develop guidance on farm buildings, incorporating good design for health and safety.
Develop guidance on health and safety benefits of good maintenance of farm buildings and structures.
Develop guidance on selection of contractors for work on the farm and building works.
Develop and support programmes for safety innovations.
Develop a suite of approved warning signs for farms.
Publish guidance on; • Slurry storage design and management• Farmyard design • Farm building design
Publish guidance on the maintenance of farm buildings and structures.
Publish an information sheet on inspection and maintenance of slatted units.
Publish an information sheet on safety in roofwork in agriculture.
Publish guidance on the selection and management of contractors.
Drive programmes to achieve annual awards for safety innovations.
Publish details of approved farm safety warning signs.
2. To develop programmes that will foster innovative approaches and deliver engineering solutions to reduce the risks to persons working in agriculture.
(Working group leaders DAFM/HSA)
Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018) Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)
14 Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018)
3. To reduce the level of death and injury arising from tractor and machinery use.
(Working group leaders FRS/PAC)
Objective Actions
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
Additional safety controls fitted on all new tractors/self-propelled equipment.
Promote safety training for all tractor drivers / machinery operators.
Survey of tractor and machinery safety issues.
Prioritise safe operation of tractors and machinery through all media outlets.
Work with tractor /machinery manufacturers in ensuring that tractors/machinery continue to be fitted with safety devices to assist in safe operation.
Further the application of technology in the safe use of machinery and attachments, including for instance seat belts, seat sensors, PTO stop buttons, raised hydraulic sensors/ alarms, hands-free devices.
Work with the farming community to ensure that training is available for tractor and machinery operators.
Ensure training is formal, practical and assisted by brochures and DVD as necessary.
Promote existing guidance on the safe use of tractors and machinery on farms.
Finalise and analyse the survey on tractors, machinery and farm equipment so that improvements are identified and actions taken.
Use all forms of media to promote the safe use of tractors and machinery and the importance of applying best practice at all times, especially during busy periods.
Use the major agricultural shows and events, wherever possible, to demonstrate safe and best practices.
Work with machinery groups to transmit the message of critical safety.
Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)
Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018) 15
Objective Actions
3.5
3.6
Make available relevant safety resource material on tractor and machine safety to operators.
Ensure all tractors and machinery are compliant with relevant legislation.
Use text messages, newspaper articles, radio interviews etc. to reinforce that farmers must always take care in using safe practices when operating tractors and machinery.
Produce a source of tractor and machinery safety information material for farmers/tractor and machinery operators so they can easily access, view or read up on what is required to keep themselves and others safe while operating this equipment.
Develop pop-up farm safety messages and reminders on websites when buyers are searching for tractors and machinery.
Promote compliance with the new revised Standards for Agricultural Vehicles (RSA, effective 1st January 2016).
Consider the establishment of a mandatory safety test system for tractors.
Implement the requirements of the Child Safety Code of Practice, particularly with regard to the prohibition on carrying children under 7 years of age on tractors and farm machinery.
Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018) Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)
16 Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018)
4. To establish initiatives to reduce the level of death and injuries arising from working with livestock.
(Working group leaders Veterinary Ireland/FRS)
Objective Actions
4.1
4.2
4.3
Highlight the dangers of working with livestock.
Create greater competence of livestock handlers.
Highlight the importance of docility in livestock.
Produce advisory leaflets covering the following areas:
• Safe handling of livestock • Reading the danger signals of livestock • A guide for visitors to farms, particularly their interactions with livestock• Warning signs
Promote safe systems of work and safe handling facilities for bulls and cows at calving.
Promote the application of state-of-the-art livestock handling facilities at marts and lairages.
Highlight the need for adequate livestock-handling facilities at out-farms, including rented lands.
Encourage the development of safety training courses for livestock handling.
Promote the dissemination of the DVD on livestock safety.
Develop an information sheet specific to the risks of working with cows at calving.
Promote the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) docility scoring system.
Promote and provide training on the star rating system as it relates to safe working with animals.
Promote and provide training in the man-animal relationship (MAR) as it relates to safe working with animals.
Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)
Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018) 17
Objective Actions
5.1
5.2
5.3
Highlight the role of the landowner in farming forestry.
Highlight particular risks associated with forestry work involving harvesters, forwarders and timber haulage.
Increase awareness of health and competence in regards to health and safety obligations for the selection of forestry contractors.
Develop and deliver initiatives that will increase safety awareness of farmers and landowners who own forests covering the following topics:
• Preparing written risk assessments• Selecting suitable equipment for the job• Protecting public safety and health• Setting out safe working procedures• Ensuring operators are trained and competent• Supervising and monitoring the work• Ensuring safe loading and transport
Increase awareness amongst forestry employers and workers of the following risks areas:
• Exclusion zones• Operator training• Certification of machinery• Requirements for checklists • Loading and unloading
Publish guidance on the obligations of the forestry works manager in regard to arrangements for the selection and monitoring of good health and safety standards of forestry contractors.
5. To ensure high standards of health and safety are adopted in forestry and timber work on farms.
(Working group leaders Coillte/HSA)
Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018) Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)
18 Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018)
Objective Actions
5.4
5.5
Increased health and safety awareness and training for chainsaw operators.
Highlight the risks to forestry workers associated with electricity during tree-felling.
Raise awareness of
Publish specific guidance covering the following aspects:
• Basic chainsaw maintenance• Basic chainsaw felling and manual takedown• Chainsaw snedding• Chainsaw cross-cutting and manual stacking• Chainsaw felling of large trees
Promote and provide recognised training in safe use of chainsaws.
Develop specific guidance on risks associated with electricity during tree-felling operations, incorporating the duties of the landowner, forestry works manager and forestry contractor.
Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)
Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018) 19
Objective Actions
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
Raise awareness of health issues currently affecting persons working in agriculture.
Monitor health status of those working in the sector.
Improve farmer knowledge on health.
Promote stress management among farmers.
Include farmer health issues in all major national seminars and events.
Reprint Fit for Farming, a health booklet for Irish farmers.
Encourage first aid training and the development of an emergency plan for farmers.
Promote the provision of ‘health checks’ to visitors to the farm safety stand at agricultural events.
Take action to establish the collection of data on accidents and ill health in agriculture within the health service.
Sponsor further research in the area of occupational health in agriculture.
Support research on farmers’ health in the following areas: musculoskeletal disorders and noise-induced hearing loss.
Develop a DVD identifying the five most common farming health problems and their prevention.
Produce a farmer self-assessment stress inventory and guidance on stress management.
6. To implement programmes for the protection of health and wellbeing of persons, including vulnerable groups, working in agriculture.
(Working group leaders IFA/UCD)
Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018) Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)
20 Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018)
Objective Actions
6.5
6.6
Promote health and safety among children and young adults.
Develop campaign to increase awareness of the health and safety risks for older farmers.
Encourage the provision of safe play areas for children on farms.
Develop, launch and distribute a DVD to deal with safety of children on farms.
Develop an online resource that coordinates and promotes safety information and projects undertaken by children and young adults on farm safety.
Run national farm safety competitions for primary and secondary schools.
Visit primary and secondary schools to give safety talks and increase awareness of safe farming practices.
Provide support to children and young adults developing farm safety projects.
Develop media campaign, including social media, focusing on safety for children
Encourage and support rural schools to use the www.hsalearning.ie tool and the Agri-Aware ‘Dig In’ pack.
Encourage the continued take-up of tractor skills training by young persons.
Target marts and other relevant agricultural events to promote health and safety to older farmers.
Develop information sheets or guides to highlight the major risk factor for older farmers.
Encourage farm families and local communities to address the safety of older family members on the farm.
Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)
Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018) 21
Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)APPENDIX 1
Terms of reference of Farm Safety Partnership
1. To identify and prioritise the key issues related to improving safety on Irish farms.
2. To identify the actions necessary to deal with these issues.
3. To establish working groups/sub-committees to assist in the achievement of the agreed goals.
4. To set agreed targets for a reduction in injuries and an improvement in compliance with occupational safety and health in the sector.
5. To develop a national action programme, co-ordinating the actions of the representative organisations and assigning tasks.
6. To publicise, effect and monitor the programme.
7. To carry out appropriate research and liaise with relevant agricultural organisations.
8. To report regularly and formally, at least annually, to the Board of the Authority.
22 Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018)
APPENDIX 2Membership of Farm Safety Partnership
Chairperson Prof James Phelan, HSA Board Member
Vice Chairperson Ciarán Roche FBD Insurance
Secretary Maura Kavanagh Health and Safety Authority (HSA)
- Jim Dockery Farm Relief Services Network (FRS)
- Jacqueline Walsh Macra na Feirme (MNF)
- Dr John McNamara Teagasc
- Dr Robert Leonard Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM)
- Tom Murphy Professional Agricultural Contractors of Ireland (PAC)
- Vincent Nally Irish Rural Link (IRL)
- Willie O’Donoghue Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA)
- Maura Canning Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA)
- Kiernan Thompson Coillte
- Eddie Punch Irish Cattle and Sheep Association (ICSA)
- Dr Noel Richardson Carlow Institute of Technology (CIT)
- Dr Aoife Osborne University College Dublin (UCD)
- Gerard Horgan IOSH Rural Industries Section
- Pat Kirwan Veterinary Ireland (VI)
- Ray Finn Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI)
- Maria Daly Agri Aware
- Pat Griffin (HSA)
- John Kennedy (HSA)
Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018) 23
APPENDIX 3Working groups
APPENDIX 2Membership of Farm Safety Partnership
Leaders
GOAL 1 To achieve cultural behavioural change in health and safety of persons working in the agricultural sector through research, education and training.
Ciaran Roche - FBDDr John McNamara -Teagasc
GOAL 2 To develop programmes that will foster innovative approaches and deliver engineering solutions to reduce the risks to persons working in agriculture.
Dr Robert Leonard - DAFMPat Griffin - HSA
GOAL 3 To reduce the level of death and injury arising from tractor and machinery use.
Jim Dockery - FRSTom Murphy - PAC
GOAL 4 To establish initiatives to reduce the level of injuries arising from livestock.
Pat Kirwan - VI Jim Dockery - FRS
GOAL 5 To ensure high standards of health and safety are adopted in forestry and timber work on farms.
Kieran Thompson - CoillteJohn Kennedy - HSA
GOAL 6 To implement programmes for the protection of health and wellbeing of persons, including vulnerable groups, working in agriculture.
