The deaths of three people in separate workplace accidents on Wednesday has prompted the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) to issue a warning to all workers, especially those involved in farming, to be extra vigilant.
One man died following an industrial accident in Wicklow, and two as a result of agriculture-related accidents, one in Galway and the other in Monaghan.
The Co Galway farmer in his mid 50s who lost his life in an accident involving a baler on his land on Wednesday evening has been named as Mr Michael Costello, a father of two, who was working under a square baler when the machine slipped and trapped him underneath. Mr Costello was working on his family's land at Mullacuttrae, Claregalway, when the accident occurred. The alarm was raised by his wife, Teresa, and a number of neighbours attempted to help him.
A neighbour described Mr Costello as an "obliging and friendly man who was always willing to help people". He is survived by his wife, two teenage children, his elderly parents and sisters.
A man in his late 20s died following an industrial accident at a fertiliser factory in Arklow, Co Wicklow.
According to gardaí, the man was carrying out work on an elevator at Irish Fertilizer Ltd, Shelton Abbey, when the elevator collapsed and crushed him. He was pronounced dead shortly after midday.
In Co Monaghan a 68-year-old farmer and businessman died on his farm when he was gored by a bull. Mr Francis Walsh, from Lisanisk, near Carrickmacross, was discovered by his son in the farmyard at lunchtime. Mr Walsh, who also owned a newsagents and confectionery business at Carrickmacross, was married with a young family.
Wednesday was a black day for workplace health and safety, according to the HSA who said that summer is a time of year when the levels of accidents traditionally rise. There have been 18 work-related accidents so far this year.
Farmers need to be particularly vigilant of children and young people on summer holidays working on or visiting their farms, warned the HSA.