Over 400 inspections are planned in the next fortnight by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), with the focus on safe working with livestock.
The inspections will begin on Monday 12 February.
After tractors and machinery, accidents involving livestock are the next most common cause of fatalities on Irish farms.
Between the years 2008 to 2017 approximately 13% of all fatal farm accidents were livestock related, with half of those involving cows and heifers.
With calving already underway on some farms, the risk of serious injury can be high. Inspectors from the HSA will be focusing on the common risks encountered and livestock safety in general.
Four areas that will be assessed during the livestock safety campaign include;
Is an adequate physical barrier established between the farmer and freshly calved cow when treating or handling calves?Is there an escape plan for animal birthing activity?Is there ongoing investment in animal handling facilities, for example, crush, head scoop and calving gate?Are facilities and procedures adequate for loading and unloading animals?With much of the calving happening during short days, or at night, farmers are encouraged to have plenty of well positioned lights around the farmyard as this will greatly improve visibility and safety.
Good handling facilities and holding areas where cows can be monitored remotely are important. Calving units with calving gates will ensure safety and reduce stress on farmers and the animal.
Martin O’Halloran, CEO of the HSA says that planning work with safety in mind is particularly important at this busy time on farms.
“During what is now a more concentrated calving period, fatigue and increased stress levels are almost inevitable. However, some early planning can make a significant difference.
“This should include checking over everything that is needed to manage calving while continuing to feed stock.
“Review the overall tidiness of the yard, the free and safe movement of machinery, the condition of tractors, loaders, diet feeders, calving jacks and availability and placement of fresh bedding. Also clean and well-bedded calving units will give you a good start.”
The authority will undertake three targeted agriculture inspection campaigns during 2018:
February - livestock safety. May - vehicle safety. October - safe working at heights. A free guidance document, safe handling of cattle on farms, is available on the HSA website at www.hsa.ie.
Read more
Farm inspections: who gets chosen and why?
Teagasc and HSA join forces to tackle farm safety
Over 400 inspections are planned in the next fortnight by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), with the focus on safe working with livestock.
The inspections will begin on Monday 12 February.
After tractors and machinery, accidents involving livestock are the next most common cause of fatalities on Irish farms.
Between the years 2008 to 2017 approximately 13% of all fatal farm accidents were livestock related, with half of those involving cows and heifers.
With calving already underway on some farms, the risk of serious injury can be high. Inspectors from the HSA will be focusing on the common risks encountered and livestock safety in general.
Four areas that will be assessed during the livestock safety campaign include;
Is an adequate physical barrier established between the farmer and freshly calved cow when treating or handling calves?Is there an escape plan for animal birthing activity?Is there ongoing investment in animal handling facilities, for example, crush, head scoop and calving gate?Are facilities and procedures adequate for loading and unloading animals?With much of the calving happening during short days, or at night, farmers are encouraged to have plenty of well positioned lights around the farmyard as this will greatly improve visibility and safety.
Good handling facilities and holding areas where cows can be monitored remotely are important. Calving units with calving gates will ensure safety and reduce stress on farmers and the animal.
Martin O’Halloran, CEO of the HSA says that planning work with safety in mind is particularly important at this busy time on farms.
“During what is now a more concentrated calving period, fatigue and increased stress levels are almost inevitable. However, some early planning can make a significant difference.
“This should include checking over everything that is needed to manage calving while continuing to feed stock.
“Review the overall tidiness of the yard, the free and safe movement of machinery, the condition of tractors, loaders, diet feeders, calving jacks and availability and placement of fresh bedding. Also clean and well-bedded calving units will give you a good start.”
The authority will undertake three targeted agriculture inspection campaigns during 2018:
February - livestock safety. May - vehicle safety. October - safe working at heights. A free guidance document, safe handling of cattle on farms, is available on the HSA website at www.hsa.ie.
Read more
Farm inspections: who gets chosen and why?
Teagasc and HSA join forces to tackle farm safety
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