AS A COUNTRY famed for its agricultural exports across the globe, farming is a huge part of the fabric of life here in Ireland.
Farming has been happening in Ireland for the last 6,000 years and is constantly evolving and changing to keep up with the times. Our agricultural sector is a great source of pride, with farmers playing a huge part in keeping us fed and happy. However, farming is a hazardous occupation and it is the sector where most workplace fatal accidents occur according to the Health and Safety Authority.
The 2005 Health, Safety and Welfare at work act sets out that farmers are obligated to make their farm as safe a place as possible for themselves, their family members, their employees, and members of the public.
FBD, an insurer leading the way in the area of supporting farm safety, is on hand to help farmers ensure their farms meet the required safety standards. Their new series of informative videos, created in association with Teagasc and the Farm Safety Partnership, is a brilliant resource for farmers seeking advice on safety.
Before looking at safety across different areas of the farm, FBD has outlined three steps that all farmers should take when looking at farm safety.
When looking at safety on the farm, the first step is having a positive attitude towards health and safety, while still acknowledging that an accident may happen on your farm.
Recognising the dangers and assessing the risks on the farm is the next important step. Carrying out a risk assessment consists of identifying every hazard on the farm, the associated risks, and appropriate safety control measures.
Finally, the third step is implementing the safety control measures that are identified in the risk assessment and ensuring that safe behavioural work practices are carried out at all times.
Following this guide, alongside the extremely helpful video series, will help keep farms safe.
Tractor safety
Tractors and farm vehicles account for 45% of fatal injuries on farms*. A large number of these deaths are due to crush injuries, which can happen during a wide range of everyday tasks. These accidents are often caused by inexperienced operators, lack of concentration, speed, unguarded parts, and poor mechanical condition of the vehicle.
Livestock safety
It is estimated that 18% of all farm fatalities are caused by livestock*. While many serious and fatal accidents are associated with handling cows at calving and handling of bulls; a significant amount of accidents occur during routine tasks such as herding, loading, drenching, vaccinating and testing. Farmers should ensure that all livestock are handled in a safe manner and that safe handling facilities are always used.
Sheep handling
Farming sheep brings with it a number of arduous tasks that can be very physically demanding, such as dipping and foot care. Other risks include the danger posed by rams, who should be kept in clear view at all times when nearby.
Cattle handling
When it comes to handling cattle, ensuring your facilities are well-designed, well-maintained, and safe is the most important part. Proper facilities are important for minimising stress on the animal and making cattle handling tasks easier and safer.
Harvesting safety
Whilst farmers and contractors may be vastly experienced when it comes to harvesting, they should still remember to avoid rushing the job as not taking enough time and care can result in disastrous consequences. Make sure all machines are properly maintained and appropriate to the task and all individuals involved with tractor and machinery operation are trained and competent to do the work.
Workshop safety
Safe work practices are essential when carrying out maintenance or repairs in the farm workshop. When working in the workshop, make health and safety the priority during each and every task.
Slurry safety
If not managed properly, handling slurry can be a dangerous activity on the farm. With the many benefits of slurry spreading making the process extremely popular, it is important to be aware of the risks. These include slurry gases, slurry tank openings, and slurry tankers, all of which can pose a big risk to farm safety.
Health of farmers
Farmers should be knowledgeable about managing their own health whilst working on the farm, especially around areas such as manual handling and disease. A range of serious illnesses can be caught from animals and contaminated material, with good hygiene essential to prevent the contraction and spread of infectious diseases and viruses.
Safe chemical handling
Chemicals play an important role on most farms and should be treated with caution. For example, approved training as a Professional User in pesticide application should be undertaken before using. Personal protective equipment is an absolute must when dealing with chemicals.
Construction and maintenance work
Construction and maintenance work on the farm can be the cause of serious injury, especially if appropriate safety controls are not put in place. Before doing any construction or maintenance work on the farm, farmers should ask themselves if a specialist contractor is required.
Safety of older persons
Older farmers can be valuable and productive members of the farm operation. Recognising potential age-related risk factors is crucial to working safely on the farm. It is important to recognise age-related risk factors, to modify expectations and physical activity accordingly, and to adjust working practices as appropriate.
Machinery handling
Irish farms are relying more and more on machinery to help efficiency on the farm. Machinery accounts for 8% of fatal injuries on farms*, so it’s important to be aware of the risks that come with using them. Areas to keep in mind when working with machinery include the condition of the machine, experience of the operator, and potential human error.
Child safety
Getting children involved on the farm can be a deeply enriching experience for everyone, but it’s important to keep safety in mind when doing so. Approximately 10% of all fatalities on farms involve children, with 90% of deaths involving children caused by tractors, farm vehicles, and machinery.*
Alongside their video series, helpful advice is available through FBD’s website, available here.
*Health & Safety Authority Report on the main causes of deaths in Agriculture and Forestry 2011-2020
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