Embrace FARM calls for more accurate data on fatalities and injuries

Attendees of Embrace FARM’s recent Encircle Conference heard that there is limited information available on non-farm-accident-related deaths such as a sudden medical event or suicide. The organisation, which this year marks 10 years since it was founded, has recently expanded its support to families affected by all types of sudden death or trauma on farm, including suicide. In reviewing the impact of the Encircle Programme which Embrace FARM launched last year, Norma Rohan co-founder of Embrace FARM said: “In one year almost 20 per cent of our supports are now directed to deaths other than farm accidents such as a sudden medical event or suicide, which shows the demand for these kinds of services. The challenge, however, is that there is limited data available to accurately capture this as both the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and Teagasc figures only account for farm accidents.
“We have all heard anecdotal stories of farmers dying by suicide in our communities, yet the statistics do not reflect that. There is work to be done here and we would advocate for a review of more accurate recording of sudden death and injury by occupation farmer both full-time and part-time.” The interactive event, hosted by former RTÉ broadcaster Ciaran Mullooly, featured a number of panel discussions and encouraged participation and conversation from agri-business on the continued services needed by farm families while highlighting how the agri-sector can work to ensure that every family is supported.
Brian Rohan, co-founder of Embrace FARM said: “Suicide in small areas of rural Ireland is a huge issue, as is the impact of people dying prematurely due to sudden ill health or other off-farm incidents. We must and we need to support our farm family businesses when sudden crises hits. Farming businesses are the backbone of rural Ireland and are a major contributor to the Irish economy.
“With the many opportunities and challenges that comes with agriculture today in times of sudden death and loss, to support one another is crucial to keep the wheels turning and the grassroots ethos of our sector intact." The event was officially opened by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, who said: “Fatal and life-changing incidents can have devastating impacts on farm families. Embrace FARM provides such an important service to the farming community supporting families impacted by all types of serious and sudden traumas.“