Make Safety your New Year’s Resolution

It is a well acknowledged fact that farms are dangerous environments, especially if safety is not well managed. Sadly, every year there are many people that are either seriously or fatally injured in preventable farm accidents. With this in mind, it is imperative that farmers think safety first and manage safety on their farm. The start of a New Year is a great time to review safety on your farm and to make safety a resolution for the coming year. In this article, we look at some important points to consider when thinking about safety on your farm. 

1. Manage Safety on the Farm

It is essential that farmers manage health and safety by safely planning work activities on their farm. This planning process should start with a risk assessment, which involves the identification of hazards, risks and the appropriate control measures. Safe systems of work should be put in place for all work being carried out, such as operation of tractors and machinery, handling of livestock and work at height. It is imperative that all safety control measures and safe systems of work are implemented. Additionally, maintenance on farm machinery, equipment and facilities should be planned. For example, ensure that the PTO shaft on the slurry spreader is safely covered prior to the day you plan to spread slurry. 

2. Make Tractor, Vehicle and Machinery Safety a Priority

Tractors and machinery can help you save time, money and increase productivity but they are also very dangerous if not operated in a safe manner. The majority of tractor and vehicle accidents are caused by inexperienced operators, poor mechanical condition, excessive speed, lack of concentration and environmental factors such as steep gradients. Many machinery accidents are the result of human error – the operator forgot something, took a shortcut or a risk, ignored a warning, was not paying close attention, failed to follow safety rules or did not maintain the machine and its guarding in a safe condition. Many accidents involving tractors and machinery could be prevented by putting some basic safety measures in place. All tractors, vehicles and machinery should be maintained in good condition, adequately guarded and only operated in a safe manner by competent persons. Special attention must be given to ensure that all brakes are serviced on tractors and trailed implements, as there have been a significant number of fatalities due to brakes not working adequately.

3. Livestock Safety

It is important that cattle handlers are experienced, competent, and sufficiently agile for the class of livestock being handled. Well-designed handling facilities are essential for safe handling of all cattle. Facilities should include securely fenced fields, good holding pens, suitable cattle crush, sculling gate, calving facilities and bull handling facilities. Particular care should be taken when handling cows at calving time as they can be nervous, agitated, excited and aggressive, even animals that are normally very docile. 

4. Consider Age Related 

Safety Factors

Older Farmers

The physical capabilities of older farmers vary by individual, while some maintain good strength, flexibility, eyesight, and hearing well beyond age 65, others do not. Older farmers can continue to be safe and productive members of agricultural operations. They bring invaluable experience and knowledge to family farms. Grandparents, in particular, can play a crucial role in imparting farm safety wisdom to the younger generation. The path to safer farming involves acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges faced by older farmers. By prioritising safety and implementing preventive measures, we can ensure that the agricultural way of life remains both fulfilling and secure for generations to come. 

Children

It is important that children are kept away from working vehicles and machinery, dangerous livestock, dangerous activities/areas (including slurry facilities, chemicals stores, stacks of bales, etc.) and children must be adequately supervised when they are on the farm. Remember, a farm is a great place to be and there are lots of ways children can get involved but it is not a playground. Children should play in a safe, supervised play area, away from all the hazards of a working farm. 

Always Think Safety First.