With the return of Spring comes an increased workload on farms across the country. Additionally, as restrictions imposed by Covid-19 continue to lift, family members who found themselves back at home are now returning to workplaces and colleges away from the farm. This leaves farmers facing one of the busiest seasons with reduced labour.
There were nine farm fatalities in 2021. While this was down 50% on the previous year, we must remember that every work-related death is preventable. Livestock, machinery and buildings can be replaced along with other assets on the farm. The same, unfortunately, cannot be said for you and your family.
Now more than ever, it’s imperative to keep safety in mind. As all farmers know, no two days are the same on the farm. Below, we look at a few areas that will be high priority this Spring.
Complete your Risk Assessment The Farm Safety Risk Assessment document from the Health and Safety Authority provides a comprehensive list of both physical controls and behaviours to consider for implementation on farms. Complete or review your Risk Assessment document annually. This time of year, calves are being registered and Basic Payment Scheme applications completed - important checklists on every farm. Allocate some time when completing paperwork to your farm risk assessment document.
Slurry With the closed period for slurry spreading now passed and many tanks close to full, coupled with the well flagged increase in fertiliser costs, greater focus is being put on slurry as a source of valuable nutrients. Slurry handling and spreading is a hazardous activity so please consider the following:
1. Preparation Ensure that children, older adults and family pets are not in the vicinity of tanks when slurry is being agitated/spread.
2. Ventilation Make sure all doors in the sheds are open prior to agitating (ideally on a breezy day) and do not re-enter sheds for at least 30 minutes after mixing has ceased. Slurry contains gasses such as methane, carbon monoxide, ammonia and hydrogen sulphide (which are highly toxic).
3. Organisation Always remove livestock from the shed before agitating, close agitation points/manholes when unattended and ensure PTO shaft covers are fitted and in good order on agitator and tank.
Calving The calving season represents a time of the year when farmers are often stretched to their limit. With long hours and an increased workload, it’s important to ensure safety remains a priority.
1. Prepare A good quality calving gate with a headlock is a must on all farms with a breeding enterprise for restraining the animal at calving or indeed any other work like dosing / inserting replacement tags. Have the calving jack, gloves, adequate lubrication, ropes and iodine all to hand before the season starts. Good lighting and bedding are important too.
2. Know your limits Never underestimate the cow/heifer and never overestimate your own ability. Be willing to ask for help.
3. Plan Ensure that you can quickly and easily get out of a pen if an animal becomes aggressive.
4. Position • Never put yourself between the cow/calf. • Never put yourself between the calving jack and the wall. • Never turn your back on the cow and make sure the cow doesn’t turn on you to get to a dog.
Cull
Do not retain any animal that shows a propensity for aggression
Calving / Lambing: With broken sleep and tiredness contributing factors to many accidents, cameras provide an affordable solution by allowing you to check animals from the home.
Tractors/Machinery
With tractor values at a record high (even older tractors are now increasing in value), it’s a great time to ensure all controls are working properly (especially the handbrake) as well as fully functioning lights, mirrors and flashing beacons.
When it comes to PTO, shaft safety covers typically range between €40 to €50. In 2022, there is no excuse for any PTO on the farm to be uncovered.
Quad bikes are another favourite. However, if not used responsibly, they can be lethal.
Finally, please consider older people and children when operating machinery. Farms are not playgrounds.
Manual Handling Farms are more mechanised than ever so, where possible, keep lifting to a minimum. Lots of farmers have hoists or lifting tackle in calving pens to lift a slippery new born calf that needs assistance after being delivered. Where you do need to lift: • Assess the load first • Use your knees/legs and not your back • Be sure of your footing • Park the ego and ask for help
Work at heights Even a fall of a few feet can be catastrophic. Consider using professional and insured contractors for all works at height. Ask yourself: Is your time best spent roofing/repairing or taking care of your animals and crops? If you must conduct work at heights:
• Know your ability/limits • Use proper lifting platforms/safety cage/roofing ladder/crawl boards • Never work alone • Never trust the ability of a roof to hold your weight • Beware of skylights in particular • Use appropriate PPE
Mental Health Farming at any time can be both a stressful and lonely occupation. The pressures of the Spring workload can be overwhelming. Look after yourself as well as your neighbour. Maintain social involvement by joining a discussion or WhatsApp group, engaging the services of a farm consultant, hosting a farm walk or simply making time for that cup of tea with a friend. Be sure to make regular appointments with your healthcare provider.
At AXA, we’re proud to provide cover for over 25,000 farmers. Our dedicated farm insurance specialists have the right blend of industry knowledge and experience to help you get the most from your cover. It means they can offer you tailor-made solutions that fit your needs to drive you and your farm forward.
