Farm Safety Live to host interactive safety demonstrations at Tullamore Show

Farm Safety Live is to return to the Tullamore Show this August for the eleventh consecutive year.

Live and interactive farm safety demonstrations will be available at the show from 10am on Sunday, August 9, at stand L105. The initiative offers hands-on, practical demonstrations with the aim of helping to reduce the number of accidents involving farm vehicles, machinery, and livestock.

This year’s Farm Safety Live demonstrations is a collaboration between FRS Training, FBD Insurance, and the HSA in conjunction with the Tullamore Show. At the event, experts from FRS Training will provide hands-on demonstrations focusing on livestock handling, PTO safety, chainsaw operations and advice for working at heights.

One of the new demonstrations available this year is a new bale stacking and telehandler operations display.

Ben Fearn, Operations Manager at FRS Training, said: “Farming remains one of Ireland’s most hazardous occupations, making preparation, prevention and awareness critical to reducing accidents and saving lives. Live demonstrations are a powerful tool for changing behaviours, allowing people to see real-life dangers and safe working practices in a practical and memorable way.

“By highlighting the risks associated with everyday farm activities, these demonstrations help farmers, farm families and farm workers identify hazards and take action before incidents occur. Continuous education and training are key to creating a safer farming culture, and the Tullamore Show provides the perfect opportunity to bring these important messages to a nationwide audience.”

Ger Hartnett, Senior Inspector at the HSA, said: “Farm Safety Live gives farmers and their families the opportunity to see practical safety advice brought to life. The demonstrations highlight common risks associated with machinery, vehicles, livestock and working at height, and show how simple precautions can help prevent serious injuries and fatalities.”

Chelsey Cox McDonald, Secretary of the Tullamore Show, said: “We are delighted to welcome Farm Safety Live again this year. Highlighting farm safety is a fundamental part of our show program and we hope each demonstration will help everyone to 'think farm safety' and work towards eliminating risks. The number of families affected by farm tragedies each year is truly heart-wrenching.”

Ciaran Roche, Risk Manager at FBD Insurance, said: “The advice provided on the day will help farmers plan work in a safe, efficient, and organised manner which is intrinsically linked to safe working behaviour. Advanced planning of work activities creates the opportunity to carryout out risk assessments, implement safe working procedures and identify of appropriate training, and equipment or facilities for the job at hand.”