- January 31, 2019
- Posted by: Sage Shield Safety Consultants
- Category: Overseas Occupational Health And Safety News
The Health and Security Authority will begin an intensive farm security inspection project today (Monday 28th January) with a concentrate on the safe management of livestock throughout calving season when the threat of injury to farmers increases substantially. Livestock is
the number one reason for accidents on Irish farms accounting for 42% of all injuries. In relation to fatalities, incidents involving livestock are the second most common cause. In the 10 year period 2009– 2018, 16% of all fatal farm accidents (33 deaths) were livestock related, with over half of these (18 deaths) involving cows and heifers.
According to Pat Griffin, Senior Citizen Inspector with the Health and Security Authority “Although 2018 saw a 41% decline in farm deaths, there are still far too many deaths in the agriculture sector along with a substantial number of really serious injuries. Working with animals is a crucial incident trigger and there is no room for complacency among farmers. During calving period, increased fatigue and tension levels prevail. Early preparation and preparation can make a considerable distinction in the safe management of livestock and aid prevent injury or even death”.
Key areas of focus throughout the inspection campaign will include:
Is there a strategy in location to reduce the threat of attack from a cow when handling a calf to tag, dip navel or stomach tube?
Has a sufficient physical barrier been developed in between the farmer and the freshly calved cow when tagging, treating and handling calves?
Are centers and procedures sufficient for filling and dumping animals?
Pat Griffin added, “Excellent handling facilities and holding locations where cows can be kept an eye on remotely are very important and can help decrease farmer fatigue. Well-prepared calving systems with tidy bedding, calving gates and the needed devices will guarantee safety and minimize tension both on farmers and on the animal. With much of calving happening during brief and frequently dull days, or in the evening, farmers are motivated to have a lot of well-positioned lights in calving units and around the farmyard as this will significantly enhance visibility and safety”.
A vast array of totally free guidance product in relation to animals and lots of other farm security hazards is readily available on the Authority’s site at www.hsa.ie. A variety of livestock associated publications can likewise be discovered on the HSA site ( www.hsa.ie) such as:
Safe Handling of Livestock on Farms
Safe Handling of Cattle on Farms– Info Sheet
Guidance on the Safe Handling of Livestock at Marts and Lairages
Cattle Handling in Marts and Lairages– Information Sheet
