Harry Sinclair reflects on farm safety legacy this Farm Safety Week

UFU past president Harry Sinclair.

Harry Sinclair led the Ulster Farmers’ Union through many landmark industry issues, including the divisive CAP reform and its movement from historic payment to flat rate, as well as the disruption brought by unpredictable weather conditions in Northern Ireland. During one of the worst snowstorms in 60 years, livestock perished and farmers faced a significant fodder crisis.

But one industry challenge would come to define his presidency – addressing the problem of farm safety.

This Farm Safety Week, the past president looked back on his time with the UFU and his work to help reduce the prevalence of farm accidents.

“We went through a very bad period in my time as president where we were seeing an average of one person a month dying on farms here in Northern Ireland,” said Harry, who hails from Draperstown.

“At the time, we recognised the need for the farming industry to come together along with the government to address the problem of farm safety, and this work is still ongoing to this day.”

While the figures show that a positive impact is being made to bring down the number of farm incidents here in Northern Ireland, the number of farm accidents remain concerning.

Harry reflected on the devastation caused by farm accidents, recalling an unforgettable tragedy in County Down during his time as president.

“One of the things I will never forget, was going to the Spence house in County Down following the tragedy which saw a father and two sons killed in an accident,” he said.

“It really brought it home to me when I saw the children’s toys sitting in the corner and their father had been killed along with their grandfather and uncle. I was sitting in the house that morning thinking ‘this could be any of us’.”

At the beginning of this year, HSENI launched a new Farm Wiser to Farm Longer campaign at Greenmount College, highlighting the importance of smarter, safer farming practices to help farmers remain active and farm safely for longer.

Harry, who has continued advocating farm safety following his presidency, spoke on on behalf Farm Safety Partnership at the event.

Concluding, the past president issued a reminder on the importance of safeguarding our farmers.

“As custodians of the countryside, our farmers are vitally important,” he said.

“People forget very quickly whenever the shelves are full. But it takes very little supply in the world to leave a scarcity, and it is so important to keep that home supply viable.

“I would ask every UFU member to give farm safety serious consideration and if there is anything you can do to make your farm safer, then make the time to do it.”

For more information on how to stay safe on the farm visit www.yellowwellies.org or visit hseni.gov.uk.