Each year, more than 1,000 injuries occur on farms, according to the Irish Farmers Association. Moved by personal experience, as well as by stark statistics, the young social innovators in Tullamore felt compelled to develop a practical and innovative response to farm safety.
The Action
Having spoken with experts, including Teagasc and local farmers, the team identified a life-threatening problem; the failure of tractor drivers to close doors correctly, which regularly leads to falls and accidents. Working with their YSI guide and industry experts, the team designed a solution; a door sensor for tractors. This device can be installed to a tractor door and will light up and sound an alarm when the ignition switch is on, indicating to the driver that the door is not properly secured.
The Impact
Both experts and the local farming community confirmed the need for the product and this led to the production of a prototype. The team are in contact with the Midlands Research and Innovation Centre at Athlone Institute of Technology and the Offaly Enterprise board to discuss future plans to manufacture their product. They then plan to sell the product at marts, factories, and machinery retailers. The enterprising spirit, achievement and ambitions of this team are hugely impressive.
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