'Better to lose a minute than lose your life in a minute'

Many farmyards will be a hive of activity with contractors and farmers under pressure at this time of year, making farm safety all the more important.

It is a lot better to lose a minute in your life than lose your life in a minute.

That’s the advice of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association Farm Business Committee chairman Pat O’Brien. He has called on rural dwellers and visitors to the countryside to be extra vigilant during this busy period on farms.

Mr O’Brien said many farmyards will be a hive of activity with contractors and farmers under pressure.

“It’s crucial that both farmers and contractors ensure all work is carried out in a safe environment and at no time should safety standards be relaxed,” he said.

Mr O’Brien urged all other road users and particularly visitors to farming areas to be aware of the dangers of increased agricultural traffic on rural roads. He stressed the need to slow down and to expect the unexpected around the next corner.

“We must force ourselves to take our time and consciously minimise any chances of an accident or mishap,” he said.

With more heatwaves likely in the future, Government ministers have reminded farmers as well as horse and pet owners of the need for vigilance. This is to protect their animals from the possibility of serious health and welfare problems due to excessive heat.

Agriculture minister Martin Heydon said hot weather can pose a risk to pets and livestock. Having adequate shelter or shade and ensuring a plentiful supply of drinking water are particularly important to protect animals from heat stroke and discomfort.

Minister of State Niall Collins has also warned that a high fire risk exists during warm weather in all areas where dead grasses and dry shrubs such as heather and gorse exist.

He urged all landowners and managers to be vigilant to all fire activity and to report suspicious activity to An Garda Siochana.

“Fire lines, fire plans and fire suppression equipment should be made ready. I would also remind the public to co-operate with all fire safety requirements and not light open fires or barbeques in high-risk areas.

“Rural users should co-operate with all requests regarding fire safety and ensure vehicles do not impede access by emergency services,” he said.

Minister Collins also advised farmers and outdoor workers to protect themselves in hot weather and be sun smart. They should wear light, loose-fitting clothes that cover the skin, alongside a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

Any exposed skin should be protected by regularly applying water-resistant sunscreen — using at least factor 30+ for adults and 50+ for children. People should also stay in the shade whenever possible and keep well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids during the day.

Their pets should have a plentiful supply of drinking water both inside and outdoors and access to suitable shade or shelter away from direct sunlight. 

They should never be left unattended in a car, even if the vehicle is parked in the shade or with windows open. The temperature inside the car may rise rapidly, causing heat stroke, which can be fatal.

Dogs should be exercised in the morning or the evening when temperatures are cooler. On longer walks, people should bring water for their dog to drink.

Dogs should be walked on grass or in shaded areas because surfaces such as tarmac, pavements and sand can heat up in the sun and may be painful for canine paws.

Livestock should also always be checked more frequently during hot weather. Animals at a higher risk of heat stress include young, dark-coloured or pregnant animals, animals recovering from illness, pigs and high-producing dairy cows.