Farm Focus with FBD ... Five things you need to know about farm safety
brings you five things you need to know about farm safety
Recognise the dangers
Despite a trend of workplace deaths decreasing across the economy, 2014 (30) and 2017 (24) saw the highest number of farm-related fatalities in the last 16 years. More than half of all workplace fatalities took place in the agriculture industry, even though it accounts for less than 5% of employment in Ireland.
Over 200 people have died while working in agriculture in the last 10 years, and many more have been severely injured.
Risk assessment
Almost all accidents can be avoided by managing health and safety on the farm. To assess the risks on your farm, go to farmsafely.com, register online, read the information about each hazard and then complete the risk assessment.
By law, farmers with more than three employees must complete a Safety Statement.
Tractor safety
Half of all agriculture/forestry fatalities in the past ten years have been caused by tractors (30%) or machinery (20%). Two-thirds of tractor-related deaths were due to being crushed or trapped.
It’s essential that you always ensure the PTO and the PTO shaft are covered properly, that you always disengage the PTO before dismounting the tractor and to never wear baggy clothes near the PTO. And remember to only allow competent persons to drive tractors.
Handling animals
Always handle livestock with caution during all routine tasks such as herding, loading, testing and vaccinating. Animals can be especially agitated and protective around their offspring. Well designed handling facilities, such as a cattle crush, calving pen, bull pen, etc., are must-haves.
Our farm inspection campaign on the theme of animal handling starts today. Cattle known to be fractious or unpredictable can pose greater risks - Watch for danger signs! https://t.co/DLyyEkyqZM #FarmSafety @icmsa @farmersjournal @IFAmedia pic.twitter.com/kqFNpEiQyD
— Health and Safety Authority (@TheHSA) February 12, 2018
Protecting children
The farm usually doubles as a homestead but it is not a playground, and young children should never be allowed unaccompanied on the farm. Children under the age of 14 shouldn’t be allowed to ride on tractors and farmers must ensure that all slurry tanks and lagoons are covered or fenced off safely.
We ask the children about why #slurry is dangerous.
— PreventTheHeartache (@FBDFarmSafety) July 18, 2016
For more safety tips visit https://t.co/KmrCYVrZinhttps://t.co/fmKmaeECDN
You won’t go far wrong if you keep in mind
Brought to you in association with FBD
