Northern Ireland farmer champions safety after eye accident

Ryan’s story shows how a split-second decision can have long-lasting consequences.

Despite his sight loss, he is lucky.

Eight deaths in a year are still eight too many, and life-changing injuries can affect more than the person who suffers them.

Farms are not like other businesses – almost 80% of the 26,131 in Northern Ireland are classed as very small, run by families.

And that often means one farmer working alone with no staff and certainly no health and safety officer or risk assessor.

Sometimes there isn’t anyone to help with tasks on the farm which can heighten the risk when working with animals, equipment, slurry or at a height.

The ageing profile of farmers – now on average in their late 50s – also brings its own challenges.

So campaigns like Farm Safety Week still play a part in saving lives.