Eileen is face of safety week

Rethink safety! That’s the message from the Irish Farmers Association during this year’s ninth annual Farm Safety Week.

This year’s Farm Safety Week features video testimonial from farm accident survivor Eileen O’Driscoll in West Cork and the impact on her life.

Eileen farms with her husband Padraig in Skibbereen and suffered a livestock-related injury in 2015.

Her accident happened on Mother’s Day of that year when Eileen and her husband were checking their suckler herd. She suffered multiple fractures and needed to be airlifted to CUH by the Toe Head and Glandore Coastguard.

Her farm accident impacted her B&B business significantly and she required months of intensive rehabilitation.

The video also features first responders who discuss the challenge of coming to the aid of somebody who’s had an accident.

Farm Safety Week is supported by several agencies, including the Health and Safety Authority and the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee members.

IFA President Tim Cullinan said Farm Safety Week is an important part of the annual calendar. It focuses on how farm families can continually improve their approach to farm safety.

“The messages from this week should be carried forward by everybody working on farms, to keep themselves safe. The impact of Covid-19 on people’s mental well-being cannot be underestimated. We would encourage everybody to seek support and resources to maintain a resilient and positive approach to their work,” the IFA President said.