This episode is centered on the important issue of farm safety. Guests include Kerrie Leonard, who was the victim of a farming accident; Pat Griffin, Senior Inspector with the Health and Safety Authority (HSA); and Alma Jordan, Founder of AgriKids.
In this episode, Kerrie Leonard from County Meath discusses the life-changing spinal injury she suffered in a farming accident and how it has impacted her life and that of her family. Kerrie strongly believes in promoting the importance of farm safety and the potential dangers, while also operating a working farm area. Since her accident, she has competed internationally in archery, completed a Masters qualification and is currently working with a technology company.
Pat Griffin from the HSA provides industry statistics on the profile of farmers who are most vulnerable to accidents and discusses what needs to be done to tackle the issue. While agriculture represents just 5% of the working population, it consistently represents approximately 40% of workplace deaths, with children and the elderly having accounted for 75% of fatalities on farms so far this year. Pat also speaks about the impact of Covid-19 on the agriculture sector, as well as the correlation between mental health and farming accidents.
AgriKids founder, Alma Jordan highlights the current work that is underway to empower and educate children on farm safety; how it has adapted to Covid-19 by embracing technology to reach an online audience; and plans for the organisation.