Farm safety

Always think farm safety

It is important to understand the risks you face on your farm every day and have a plan in place to manage them. BeSmart.ie is a fantastic resource created by the HAS that provides key information, templates, checklists and guidance to help you understand and implement effective day-to-day management of health & safety on your farm.

You can complete a FREE risk assessment and receive a customised Safety Statement for your farm at BeSmart.ie

PTO SAFETY

Many serious farm accidents occur because guards which must be provided by law are damaged or taken off. PTO shafts are often involved in accidents with machinery that is stationary e.g. slurry agitation and milling meal.

When you buy or hire machinery the law states the supplier must provide all necessary guards. Machinery should be inspected regularly for defects which should be rectified immediately. Always prop machinery when working under hydraulics.

TAMS GRANT: Don’t forget, there are a range of TAMS Grants available for PTO Covers and other safety equipment.

animal handling

Around 4-in-10 of all non-fatal farm incidents are livestock related. Bulls, and cows with new-born calves, pose a significant risk. Being crushed or gored by animals that are being herded, moved, separated, released, or loaded onto trailers present the highest risks.

TAMS GRANT: Don’t forget, there are a range of TAMS Grants available for cattle handling equipment.

FARM MACHINERY

Tractors and Machinery are the main cause of farm accidents in Ireland. Elderly farmers and children are at particular risk. Being entangled in PTO’s, crushed under a machine part, caught in a machine mechanism, crushed between vehicles and struck by a machine object are the main
causes of deaths with farm machinery. Keys to prevention are training, good maintenance and safe work practices.

It is important that machinery used is suitable for the task and properly maintained with all dangerous parts covered. All machinery should be serviced and maintained on a regular basis. Tractors and machinery should be stable and controls in good working order. It is important to remember that machinery cannot be operated safely if operators do not have sufficient information or are not sufficiently trained.