Summer Safety on the Farm

Summer in farming is always busy. There is a lot going on between managing livestock and land, silage and harvesting but farm safety is key, and it is important to always be mindful of your safety and the safety of others.

As we know, July Is ‘danger month’ on farms for the last 10 years so it is time to put a stop to this. Annually, there is an average of 20 fatal accidents on farms.

Farms are a high-risk environment for children, young persons and other vulnerable persons. Since 2012, 22 children have lost their lives on Irish farms, and around 1 in 10 of all fatalities on Irish farms are children.

The main risks to children on farms are

• Tractors and machinery. Passengers should only be allowed on tractors where there is a passenger seat. Children under 7 years should not be passengers on tractors.
• Drowning. Ensure all slurry tanks and water hazards on the farm are properly covered or fenced off to prevent children’s access.
• As we know, kids love to be involved and climb gates/wheels and tractor wheels. Stacks of bales should be built carefully to ensure they do not collapse if kids climb them. Gates and pillars should be fitted properly, to ensure they do not fall over.
• Livestock. Children should never be allowed near livestock.

Vehicles and machinery account for the highest number of deaths and injuries. It is important to ensure that each vehicle is in a safe working condition before use. If a tractor needs a repair, do not use it until it has been fixed. When driving tractors on public roads, it is vital to ensure all lights, mirrors, indicators and wipers are clean and working perfectly. If carrying passengers, only do so if there is a passenger seat.

Quad bikes are becoming more common on Irish farms.

New legislation was passed in November of 2023, which meant that there is an obligation for farmers and others on the farm to receive training and wear the correct PPE when driving Quad bikes.

The main causes of incidents using ATVs are:

• An inexperienced or untrained driver
• Carrying a passenger or an unbalanced load
• Tipping on a bank
• Driving on steep slopes
• Towing excessive loads with unbraked equipment.

Vehicles and machinery account for the highest number of deaths and injuries. It is important to ensure that each vehicle is in a safe working condition before use. If a tractor needs a repair, do not

use it until it has been fixed. When driving tractors on public roads, it is vital to ensure all lights, mirrors, indicators and wipers are clean and working perfectly. If carrying passengers, only do so if there is a passenger seat.Around 4 in 10 of all non-fatal farm incidents are livestock related. It is vital that when handling livestock you have well designed animal handling and loading facilities in place. After a freshly calved cow, it is important to have a physical barrier between you and the cow.

Like anything, there is a far bigger list beyond what we have listed here as key points to be mindful of when ensuring your safety and the safety of others. A point I want to finish on is mental health.

Farms mental health is often the last one that is thought of when it comes to health and well-being. Work on farms can be 24/7 365 days of the year. It is important for the farmer and his family to take time out of the farm. Take a break for themselves and their families. Running your own business can be overwhelming especially with the climate we live in now. It is okay not to be okay. You’re never alone in what you’re going through.

We are always at the other end of the phone for whoever needs to chat.