In 2015, 18 people lost their lives in farm accidents. This represents tragedy for the farm families affected. While it represents a 40% reduction on the 30 farm deaths in 2014, the situation is far from satisfactory. One death or serious injury is one too many. Let us all resolve to take practical action throughout 2016 to prevent injury.

Accident causes

Getting crushed by a moving vehicle or machine and entanglement was the main cause of farm deaths, accounting for 39% of the total. A number of crush deaths were associated with tractors rolling away in farmyards or when handling baled silage. Falls from heights and animal incidents were each associated with 22% of deaths with slurry, collapsing objects and entrapment making up the remaining fatalities. About 2,500 serious injury-causing accidents occur on farms each year.

Behaviour is the key to safety

When fertiliser is being spread, there is a lot of tractor movement around the farmyard. Keeping tractors and machines in check is the key to preventing many fatal accidents. This is done by adopting safe behaviours. The principle precautions with a farm vehicle are as follows:

  • Stop the engine and leave the fuel-control in the shut-off position and remove the key.
  • Apply the hand brake securely.
  • Park on level ground, where possible.
  • Use wheel stops, if necessary, to prevent a vehicle from rolling from its parked position.
  • As vehicles vary in operating procedures, always follow the manufacturer’s operating manual.

    • Good farmyard layout

    A good farmyard layout allows delivery and storage of fertiliser and adequate space for vehicles to turn. When fertiliser is being stored and spread at a location which is away from the farmyard, thought should be given to how the fertiliser is stored and filled into the spreader.

    Keeping fertiliser spills to a minimum cuts the risk of slipping or falling. Some fertiliser products are inherently slippery while others are oil-based or absorb moisture, so they can get slippery when spilled.

    Bystanders

    Loading up fertiliser requires concentration.

    The safety of bystanders, particularly children and older farmers, should be given priority.

    The majority of childhood and older farmer farm deaths are due to tractor and machinery movement in farmyards.

    Spreading on sloping ground

    Fertiliser-spreading on sloping ground needs particular attention due to the risk of tractor overturn. Driver competence and experience is crucial for this task. The following points should be considered:

  • Your alternative land-use options for steep slopes.
  • Make sure that you are familiar with the slope by walking it before driving it. Slopes that are very wet or dry ground on which rain has fallen are particularly dangerous. Drive up and down a slope, not across.
  • Make sure that the tractor is in good mechanical condition, and preferably use a four-wheel drive tractor.
  • Select the right gear before approaching the slope. Avoid gear changes on slopes.
  • Keep as much weight uphill as possible and use front-end weights.
  • Use wide turning circles and turn uphill if driving across a slope for access.

    • Choosing between bulk or bags

    The options of bulk spreading and half-tonne bags are now widely available. Gone are the days when 50kg bags were the only option regarding handling fertiliser. Also, the level of mechanisation on farms gives more options than in the past.

    The bulk option takes the ‘‘weight off your shoulders’’ and also frees up work time for important farm management tasks. There are many excellent contractors available to spread bulk, but having good communications and management skills is essential if fertiliser needs to be spread in your absence.

    Big bags

    The following safety controls have been devised for big bags generally, but always follow any instructions given for individual products.

  • Always beware of overhead electrical cables.
  • Before lifting, check that lifting loops are not worn or cut. The forks or hooks being used should be smooth.
  • Bags should not be pulled along the ground.
  • Bags should not be allowed to swing against handling equipment or be left suspended for any length of time.
  • When cutting the big bag, never stand under it or cut the bottom of the bag.
  • When emptying, suspend the bag over the spreader and cut an ‘‘X’’ on the side of the bag 15cm above the base, with a long-handled knife.

    • Small bags

    Small bags require lifting. Set up the fertiliser on a trailer which is at waist height, if possible. This prevents lifting from ground level and reduces the strain caused. If lifting a bag, stand the bag upright, adopt a shoulder-wide ‘‘boxer’’ stance with your feet firmly on the ground. Bend your knees and keep your back straight, while lifting with your thigh muscles.

    It is vital to keep the bag close to your body and grip it firmly. Point in the direction of the fertiliser spreader and never twist your spine by having your back to the spreader. Ideally, training should be undertaken and alternatives should be considered to minimise lifting strain.

    To read the full Fertilizer Focus Supplement click