Schools urged to sign up for farm safety programme
Aim is to deliver a rounded guide to farm safety
Agri Aware has launched a new farm safety programme called ‘Safe Farm Futures’ for schools in Laois and other counties.
The farm safety body says the programme will be available to primary schools across the country and aims to educate and raise awareness of the importance of keeping safe on farms.
Agri Aware says it aims to deliver a rounded guide to farm safety, ensuring that the work on farms is safe by recognising and increasing awareness around the dangers on farms so that we can all farm sustainably and in a safe environment for all.
The programme has separate learning plans for junior and senior primary school level students and comprises three learning plan topics that teachers and their students will engage with:
- Countryside Care;
- Animals and You;
- Moving Parts: Know Where to Start.
All three topics will be accompanied by a suite of resources including activity lesson plans, webinars and activity sheets.
Schools that complete the programme will be in with a chance of winning prizes of up to €2,000 which will be invested in the students' wellbeing and learning.
Speaking at the launch of the programme, Agri Aware Chairman Shay Galvin explained the reason for the programme.
“In 2023, 16 deaths occurred in the farming sector which is far too many and already in 2024 we have sadly had another fatality on a farm. Educating the next generation on farm safety from a young age is critically important. Farms are a wonderful place to make happy memories, whether it be helping your grandparents or parents on the farm.
“However, as we all know, there are risks and dangers to one’s health when working on a farm and to ensure the safety of the next generation, educating them on the risks associated with a working farm and ensuring they engage in safe practices is crucial
“Therefore, we look forward to seeing teachers and students begin their farm safety journey with us in order to create a safer future for everyone involved in the agricultural industry and are excited at bringing further farm safety initiatives to schools in the near future,” he said.
Primary schools can register for this programme now and it will start in February. Register at www.agriaware.ie/safe-farm-futures-registration/