FARM DEATHS accounted for half of all workplace fatalities for the year ending April 2016, in Northern Ireland, but overall the number of workplace deaths has dropped by almost 50%.

These figures were released in the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland's annual report, which was recently published.

Deaths within the workplace dropped from 23 to 12, and six of these happened in farms, including incidents with livestock, machinery and falls.

HSENI chief executive, Keith Morrison, said: "Each fatality is a tragic event and is devastating for the family left behind.

"HSENI is committed to preventing loss of life and reducing the number of workplace incidents.

"While it is encouraging that there has been a decrease in the number of workplace fatalities, the overall number of serious incidents remains too high.

"We will continue to focus on those activities and work areas where the most serious injuries are known to occur.

"HSENI will also continue to focus its resources on reducing occupational ill-health, such as occupational lung disorders and cancers, and improving the safety performance across all sectors."

HSENI chairman George Lucas added: "The decrease in workplace deaths is significant and welcome.

"However, the level of major incidents shows there is no room for complacency.

"All employers and employees must realise that workplace accidents are preventable and they must make health and safety a priority within their businesses. In particular, I welcome the fall this year in farm fatalities."

One of these incidents included a farmer losing his life after being overcome with slurry gas fumes.

The father of five died on Friday, on what was the eve of the official cut off date for slurry spreading. 

From Coagh, County Tyrone, he was name as Alastair Sloss, in his 50s.

It us thought he fell into the slurry pit at around 5pm, and died due to the fumes.

Slurry spreading is banned in Northern Ireland between October 15 2016 and January 21 2017, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Ulster Unionist Party MLA, Sandra Overend, said: "To hear of another local farming accident brings a clench to my stomach.

"I was so saddened to hear of the tragic death of Alastair Sloss and my heart goes out to his family. 

"The slurry spreading season, which is now concluding brings a stressful time for farmers, juggling responsibilities, tending to animals and preparing the land. 

"It is just terrible that this tragedy has happened and another farming family is grieving as a result. My thoughts and prayers are with them."

DUP MLA, Keith Buchanan, said: "This is another tragic loss within the farming community. It once again reminds us all of the dangers particularly associated with slurry. 

"My thoughts and prayers are with the family at the time of such devastating loss." 

Cookstown DUP councillor, Wilbert Buchanan, said: "It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Mr Alastair Sloss as a result of a tragic farm accident.

"I am devastated at this news and wish to extend my deepest sympathy to his wife and family."