Preparing for adverse winter conditions

Winter is fast approaching and with it comes adverse weather, shorter daylight hours, and more intensive operations around the farmyard. These all contribute to greater risk on the farm. Good planning and preparedness will help ensure your safety and the safety of others while minimising disruption during severe weather events. 

With this in mind, now is the ideal time to ensure that your farm is winter ready.

Snow and freezing conditions 

Farmers should be prepared for potential freezing and snowy conditions that winter often brings. Consider the following: 

• Ensure that water supplies are protected by insulating exposed water pipes. 
• During freezing conditions, fully drain down milking equipment after milking. 
• Frost protection heaters can ensure that milking equipment and other critical plants do not freeze up. 
• Ensure anti-freeze levels are adequate in farm vehicles and de-ice all windscreens and mirrors before operation. 
• Remember to grit pathways and yards during icy spells, to prevent the risk of falls on icy surfaces.

Lighting

Ensure adequate lighting is provided in all areas where work is carried out. Remember:

• You should only replace lights around the farm if you have a safe way of doing so. If not, it’s always best to employ a certified electrician who has the right safety equipment to carry out the work. 
• When checking lights, make sure that all the fittings are at least splash-proof, IP44, and the protection level for fittings in milking parlours and dairies should be IP45.
• Check that all lights are working and that they provide adequate light. 

Good housekeeping

Keeping the farm tidy and free from clutter makes a huge difference in terms of safety.

• By making sure that the yard is tidy, you are reducing the likelihood of slips, trips and falls.
• Clear drains regularly, particularly in anticipation for stormy weather as this will help water get away safely.

Electrical safety

Periodically check the electrical installations and fittings on your farm to ensure that they are safe. Remember:

• Electrical fittings can become damaged due to wear and tear and some electrical fittings are not suitable for the outdoors. 
• Now is the time to have them repaired or replaced with fittings that have the correct IP ratings. Always use an electrical contractor for this work.
• Check that your residual current device is working correctly, both mechanically and electrically. The test button should be pressed at regular intervals, approximately once a month. Don't forget to reset the switch after testing.
• Using portable electrical tools and equipment, such as a power washer, can cause electrocution.
• Always visually check that leads are not damaged. 
• Never handle electrical equipment with wet hands or when near water. 

Farm building maintenance

Inspect farm buildings regularly, especially before and after extreme weather conditions. 

• For example, if roofs are subject to excessive weight, the joists can give way. In very heavy snowstorms with acute snow accumulation on roofs, it is advisable to monitor the roofs and observe the integrity of the joists and roofing material. 
• On foot of building inspections, maintenance and repair work should be carried out as appropriate. 
• Remember building maintenance work can be very dangerous, especially work at height. It is essential that all work is properly planned, organised, supervised and carried out in a safe manner. 
• Appropriate equipment for work at height should be carefully selected. Scaffolding and mobile elevated work platforms should be used as required. 
• Never take chances and, where necessary, employ a specialist contractor.

Manual handling

Farming, by its very nature, is a physically demanding occupation. This can especially be the case during the winter months, when the housing of livestock can lead to increased workload around the farm, whether it be carrying meal bags, forking silage or rolling bales.

• Always plan work activities to avoid and reduce manual handling activities. 
• Ask yourself if the job can be done differently in order to eliminate the manual handling, for example to minimise the distance travelled, or the weight of the load. 
• Where manual handling cannot be avoided, use manual handling aids, get help if required and always use a safe-lifting technique.

Community 

Check in on your elderly neighbours during adverse weather conditions. Remember, if it’s challenging for you to get around it may be far more difficult for them.

Always think safety first!