Newbridge IFA in Co Galway recently invited health and safety advisers Paddy Ahern and Liam Higgins to give a briefing on the subject.

Both men made it clear to the farmers in attendance that getting health and safety right doesn’t always have to cost a lot of money.

“Many changes can result from a better way of thinking,” said Paddy. Both Paddy and Liam agreed that the first impression they get on entering a yard is generally a true reflection of the farm.

“Farmers over the age of 65 account for around 25% of farm fatalities each year,” said Paddy. When analysed these deaths have generally come under two categories - trapped by machinery or attacked by livestock.

Padd warned that farms are a very dangerous place for young kids and they should not be used as a playground. It is very important that gardens are sufficiently fenced so young children cannot gain unsupervised access.

“There is practically no other workplace where people live and work in the same area. you can’t walk up to the industrial factories and expect to get in, but farm yards are generally open,” said Paddy.

“When the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) call out to a farm one of the most important recommendations on their list is to ensure that all gates are hanging and swinging properly.”

The duo also comment that all farms can benefit from a strange pair of eyes looking at health and safety concerns on their farm. “Problems that you see everyday are not always obvious,” said Paddy. He analysed the following danger areas”

MACHINERY

“Machinery must always be maintained, serviced and fit for purpose. If a tractor was originally fitted with windows and doors they should remain in place as tehy were put there for a reason.

“Although PTO shafts leave a lot to be desired in terms of quality and durability, there’s no reason why they should not be kept in working order.

“It’s no good to have ATV helmets gathering dust in a shed, they must be worn.”

He advised parents to wear a helmet as this will encourage children to do so. “Consistent behaviour on our behalf will lead to responsible behaviour on their behalf.”

LIVESTOCK

“Good handling facilities are crucial when working with livestock. This allow the work be completed as safely as possible.

“Earmark aggressive cows at calving. I know a lot of money and breeding can go into these cows but if she was aggressive this year more than likely she will be aggressive next year.

“When not running with the cows the stock bull should be kept in a paddock or a shed where they don’t have to be moved too often.”

SLURRY

“All slurry storage areas must be well protected. One of the most common problems I find on farms is ladders left attached to over-ground slurry stores.”

He warned farmers of the poisonous gases released during agitation and advised farmers to have the shed ventilated.

“Neither the farmer or the stock should be in the shed while the slurry is being agitated.”

CHEMICALS

“Chemicals should be stored in a designated lockable area which should preferably be bunded ie spillages retained. They must always be stored in their original conatiners so there is not a mix-up.

“The label contains information that may be required in an emergency. You must also have a chart on the wall explaining how much and where it was used. Our skin absorbs chemicals so rubber gloves should be worn to act as a barrier.”

ELECTRICITY

“If you have a temporary system of getting power on an ongoing basis, install a permanent system. I regularly see electric cables running across yards - they are not designed for that. Get an electrician to check and certify all electrical wiring.”

LEGISLATION

“All farms must have a farm safety plan filled out and farms with three or more employees must fill out a code of practice.

“Farm safety must be renewed once a year or when there is a change on the farm eg a new building.”

*This article was first published by the Irish Farmers Journal on 7 May 2011. It is being re-produced here as part of our coverage of National Farm Safety Day.