Farm Focus with FBD ... The definitive list of Do's and Don'ts on Farm Safety
Staying safe on the farm is something you should think about every day. Here's the do's and don'ts of farm safety that should be uppermost in your mind at all times.
THE DO'S
- Carry out a risk assessment of your farm, and complete the Agricultural Code of Practice Risk Assessment Document or a Safety Statement, and ensure everybody who works on your farm reads and understands it.
- n Allow only competent persons to operate tractors. Children must be at least 14 years old, have received adequate training and be under the supervision of a responsible adult before they are allowed drive a tractor. They must be 16 years of age and hold at least a provisional driving licence before they can drive in a public place.
- Ensure all tractors are maintained in safe working condition.
- Check that all machine guards (especially the PTO shaft) are maintained in good condition and replaced if damaged or missing.
- Ensure that all livestock are handled in a safe manner, and that safe handling facilities are used.
- Check that all slurry tanks and lagoons are covered or fenced off safely, as this will prevent death by drowning or asphyxiation. Only agitate on windy days and wait at least 30 minutes after agitating before entering the shed.
- Ensure that safe building practices are implemented. An advisory booklet on safe farm building practices is available from your local FBD office.
- Create a safe play area for children and never allow young children unaccompanied on the farm.
- Take extra precautions to ensure the safety of elderly farmers when handling livestock, and when they are working near or with machinery.
THE DON'TS
- Don’t rush your work. Having adequate time for farm management results in a well-organised farm with improved safety and health standards. A satisfactory work-life balance allows time for work, rest and leisure and is crucial for contentment and health.
- Don’t work alone without carrying a charged mobile phone containing names and numbers for contact in case of emergency. Be aware that some tasks may be too difficult or dangerous to be carried out alone.
- Don’t carry a child aged under seven in the cab of a tractor, harvester or farm vehicle under any circumstances, irrespective of whether a passenger seat is provided or not.
- Do not allow children near dangerous animals such as female animals with new-born young, or bulls, stallions, rams, and stags (or animals being released from buildings after being housed).
- Do not leave a tractor seat while the engine is running.
- Do not wear loose or torn clothing when working near machinery.
- Do not operate high equipment near power lines.
Watch and Listen
