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It’s the busiest time of the year on farms and hundreds of farm inspections are set to be carried out during the month of March.
The focus will be on inspecting livestock handling facilities and calving gates.
The campaign will be nationwide and inspectors will be speaking to farmers about who is present around livestock and that those handling cattle are competent and agile.
The HSA also advises that no young children are to be present around livestock.
Attacks by livestock resulted in two deaths in 2016. Meanwhile, there have been a total of 27 children killed on farms since 2007, with one recorded last year in an incident involving machinery.
Senior inspector with the HSA Pat Griffin said: “We are currently in a busy period for calving and the risk of injury is very high. Farmers are working long hours, often with broken sleep, so fatigue and general tiredness can also be a factor.
“Our message is simple; stay alert, don’t take risks and get help when it’s needed. The types of injuries that can be sustained with livestock attacks are very serious and can be life-threatening.”
Planned escape routes
Inspectors will also be asking farmers to consider having a planned escape route if an animal becomes aggressive.
“In particular, care is needed around cows with a newborn calf when they can be unpredictable and much more likely to attack,” he said.
“Never turn your back on a cow with a newborn, have a planned escape route and keep children and inexperienced handlers well away.”
Pat advises that the calving area should provide adequate space, be tidy, well-bedded with clean straw and be clearly lit and free of obstructions.
“Also, well-designed calving pens and gates are important and help minimise the direct physical contact between the cow, or heifer, and farmer,” added Pat.
Danger of livestock attack
From 2007 to 2016, there were 26 deaths caused by livestock on farms.
Over 60% of all farm injuries are livestock-related, according to Teagasc research.
A HSA spokesperson said there is concern that while the awareness of the dangers of bulls is high, people might not be so aware of the dangers that cows can pose, particularly at this time of year.
For more information on safe cattle handing, click here.
Intensive campaigns by the HSA are usually run for two weeks and involve 250 inspections.
However, this year 500 inspections will be carried out over a month-long campaign.
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