Stay healty and safe working with sheep

Working with sheep is generally not associated or readily linked with health and safety risks. However, outside of the dangers of working with machinery and quad bikes, there are numerous concerns that should be remembered.

Each year, there are reports of flock owners being attacked by rams, causing back and hip injuries with incidents greatest around the breeding season.

When flocking or handling rams or batches of sheep containing rams, it is important not to let your guard down. Care should also be taken that young children are educated as to the potential dangers.

Dipping products

Dipping products also pose a threat to the health of operators, with products containing organophosphate particularly high-risk due to their carcinogenic effects.

The footbath product formalin also has carcinogenic properties. Care should be taken during and after treatment. Wear protective clothing, gloves, face mask, etc, when working with products that pose a risk.

The Bord Bia Quality Assurance scheme has brought greater control to the storage and use of animal remedies and chemicals on farms.

All products should be stored in a lockable container and kept out of reach of children.

Strain

Sheep farmers, due to the environment in which they work, frequently find themselves working in damp or dusty conditions or putting strain on their backs.

This should be avoided due to long-term negative health links with arthritis, back pain or respiratory issues.

The final health and safety concern is not physical and as such, is frequently not addressed.

Sheep farming has become a lonely occupation in many areas. In times of financial difficulties, or challenges such as last year’s fodder crisis, flock owners can come under significant pressure.

All flock owners need to be aware and make conscious decisions to keep in contact during periods where farmers could be under huge strain.