The Health and Safety Authority will begin an intensive inspection campaign on Tuesday 23rd April with a focus on the safe use of tractors and machinery on farms.

Over the last 10 years, (2009 – 2018) over half (51%) of all fatal farm injuries involved vehicles (30%) and machinery (21%). Farm vehicles are generally defined as tractors, loaders or quad bikes. In recent years there has been a sharp increase in the number of fatalities involving farm vehicles, particularly quad bikes with four related deaths in 2017 alone.

A waste management firm has entered a signed plea of guilty to breaking safety laws in connection with the death of an employee in a workplace accident.

Key Waste Management was summonsed to appear at Dublin District Court on health and safety charges.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed trial on indictment. The case had been adjourned until today for book of evidence to be served.

However, a signed plea of guilty was furnished to the court by Ronan Kennedy SC, for the company.