Getting the farm tidy makes a huge difference in terms of safety. This involves picking up tools when you are finished with them. The same goes for items such as plastic and netting from bales of silage. Mobile gates and pins should be stored safely out of the way. By ensuring the yard is reasonably tidy, you are reducing the chance of trips and falls. Try to keep the area between the silage pit and feeding area clean also. Farmers with tine grabs often find that very small amounts of silage can fall off the grab during transportation and on to concrete yards which will turn into waste if left over a period of time. Avoid the build-up of muck on the concrete yard by doing a routine yard-scrape once a week/fortnight depending on the traffic.

After three or four weeks feeding cattle, plastic really builds up around the yard. Plastic and netting mixed together in one big pile looks unsightly and can be difficult to sort out at a later date. When recycling plastic, pay attention to proper storage because you pay by weight. Having plastic clean and dry reduces weight and keeps the cost of recycling lower. Where it is not possible to store indoors, plastic should be left on a clean concrete base, separate from bale netting. Some farmers have special areas and even specially designed units (like the plastic baler above) for storing plastic that helps create easily loaded bales of plastic.

With the shorter hours of daylight it is definitely worth checking that the lights in your shed are working. Adequate lighting is a huge benefit if you are working with cattle during the hours of darkness. Only replace the light tubes in your shed if you have a safe way of reaching the fittings and you are confident enough to change them safely. Otherwise it would be best to ask an electrician who has all the correct safety equipment. While checking the lights it would be a good idea to make sure all the fittings are damp-proof and fitted by a competent electrician.

Monitoring vermin in the yard at this time of year is crucial to prevent disease spreading from surfaces and materials farmers come in contact with daily such as animal feed. Farmers partaking in Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme must operate and maintain an effective rodent control programme. This involves placing baits in a manner that prevents access of non-target species and minimises the risk of cross-contamination of feed or water. Some farmers use specially made bait points (like the one pictured) that are safer to use because they further reduce the chances of bait being taken by an unintended target. Contact with materials contaminated with rats’ urine can cause Weils Disease, which is potentially fatal. That is why it is essential to control their numbers and wash your hands thoroughly after being out on the farm.

Manual handling plays a big part in the daily routine on most farms during the winter months. This handling can involve forking in silage by hand, lifting heavy bags of meal or rolling bales of straw for bedding. Where possible, use a tractor to do any heavy lifting or pushing; there are no prizes for slipping a disc in your back. If it is not possible to use a tractor, try to use your head instead. Put less feed in an individual bag, for example. It might mean making an extra journey but, if it reduces the risk of back injury, the extra time will be worth it. Always use proper lifting techniques and take your time if you do have to lift a load.

Arthur Byrne, Public Safety Manager, ESB Networks

Top safety tips for working in the yard in winter

At this time of year, it can be a good idea to check how electrically safe your farmyard is. There have been serious fires associated with damaged electrical equipment, resulting in the loss of valuable livestock, fodder and farm buildings.

Take these few simple precautions and farm safely with electricity:

  • Check that all lights are working and are strong enough because now they will be needed more than ever. Better lighting contributes to safer working.
  • Sometimes electrical fittings can be damaged or are not suitable for the outdoors. Now is the time to have them repaired and replaced with equipment which has the correct IP rating. Always get your electrical contractor involved.
  • Check that your RCD ( residual current device – the one with the red test button, located at your electrical distribution board) will work when you need it. Simply press the test button and observe that the switch trips immediately. Afterwards, return it to the upright position.
  • Using portable electrical tools and equipment such as a power washer can cause electrocution. Always visually check that leads are not damaged and invest in a portable RCD for as little as €10. It could save a life.
  • Never handle electrical equipment with wet hands or near water. Wear rubber-soled footwear and gloves.
  • Watch out for any overhead electricity wires, poles and stays. These become harder to see in winter time. If you have concerns about overhead wires, please contact ESB Networks on our emergency number 1850-372 999.
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