HSA urges quad bike users to take 'extra precautions' after 3 deaths last month

The Health and Safety Authority of Ireland has urged outdoor workers to take "extra precautions" following sharp rise in fatalities over the past month. 

The HSA has noted that there has four fatal incidents in the past month, three of which were associated with quad bike use.

Of nine confirmed work-related fatalities so far this year, six were self-employed, with five of those associated with the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Sectors.

They issued the statement on Friday, the 2nd of May, and they are "urging outdoor workers to take extra precautions following a significant increase in work-related fatalities in recent weeks. The latest figures from the HSA show a concerning rise in fatalities, particularly amongst the self-employed and farmers."

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The Senior Agricultural Inspector with the HSA, Ger Hartnett:

"We are deeply concerned by the recent sharp rise in fatalities, especially amongst self-employed outdoor workers and farmers. We are calling on farmers and all those working outdoors to take a step back, assess the risks, and prioritise safety at every stage of the job. No job is important enough to risk your life."

He also added:

"We want to see everyone come home safely at the end of the day. Safety isn't an optional added step, it must be an integral part of the job."