Farm pranks filmed for TikTok 'childish and immature'
Potentially deadly farm machinery ‘pranks’ filmed and posted to social media platform TikTok have been condemned by Agriculture Minister Michael Creed as “idiotic” and “unacceptable”.
“If this behaviour is repeated, undoubtedly people will die,” Mr Creed told the Irish Examiner.
“I’ve been in too many farmyards, churchyards and graveyards in the aftermath of farm accidents. People need to realise that they’re but one step away from that location with this kind of behaviour,” the Cork North West TD said.
“Every accident has its own story, even non-fatal accidents are very often life-changing.
“That’s why this kind of behaviour on Tik Tok is just so unacceptable. We need to stamp it out.”
Eight people have been killed on farms so far this year and the videos follow warnings that farm deaths may spike as more children and people unused to working on the farm are there every day through lockdown.
Irish Farmers Association president Tim Cullinan said the pranks are a "sackable offence" and "an accident waiting to happen".
The videos show young people balancing precariously on moving machinery and farm vehicles, filming while driving and driving vehicles dangerously.
“This practice is grossly irresponsible," said Mr Cullinan.
"I am disgusted that people could be so casual and have no regard for the dangers involved in what they are doing.
“All farmers and contractors need to make it clear to their employees that engaging in these practices is a sackable offence,” he said.
Farming is the most dangerous sector in Ireland. Eighteen people were killed on farms last year according to data from the Health and Safety Authority with the majority of deaths linked to vehicles, machinery or falling from a height.
Mark Cullen, assistant chief executive of the HSA, said: “The antics of the farm workers in these videos is shocking.
"It’s only pure luck that some of these individuals have not been seriously injured or killed.
"Farmers and contractors must take a zero-tolerance approach with this type of behaviour and make it clear to farm workers that under no circumstances is it acceptable.
"The Health and Safety Authority will not hesitate to take robust action where we can identify the individuals and the employers concerned.”
TikTok is now carrying out an investigation into the videos and "will take appropriate action" in line with community guidelines.
A spokesperson said: “The safety of users is our top priority, and we do not allow content that encourages or replicates dangerous challenges that might lead to injury."
