Some 250 Health and Safety Authority (HSA) farm inspections are to take place from next week, with a focus on safety during calving.
Key areas of focus during the inspection campaign over a two-week period will include:
Is there a plan in place to minimise the risk of attack from a cow when handling a calf to tag, dip navel or stomach-tube?Has an adequate physical barrier been established between the farmer and the freshly calved cow when tagging, treating and handling calves?Are facilities and procedures adequate for loading and unloading animals?Number one cause of accidents
Figures from the HSA show that livestock is the number one cause of 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 to 2018, 16% of all fatal farm accidents (33 deaths) were livestock-related, with over half of these (18 deaths) involving cows and heifers.
Too many deaths
Pat Griffin, senior inspector with the HSA, said that although 2018 saw a 40% decline in farm fatalities, there are still far too many deaths in the agriculture sector as well as a substantial number of very serious injuries.
"Working with livestock is a key incident trigger and there is no room for complacency among farmers. During the calving period, increased fatigue and stress levels are common.
"However, early planning and preparation can make a significant difference in the safe management of livestock and help prevent injury or even death," he said.
Read more
Man dies following Clare farm accident
Watch: preparing for calving on Tullamore Farm
Over 1.3m calf births expected before the end of March
Some 250 Health and Safety Authority (HSA) farm inspections are to take place from next week, with a focus on safety during calving.
Key areas of focus during the inspection campaign over a two-week period will include:
Is there a plan in place to minimise the risk of attack from a cow when handling a calf to tag, dip navel or stomach-tube?Has an adequate physical barrier been established between the farmer and the freshly calved cow when tagging, treating and handling calves?Are facilities and procedures adequate for loading and unloading animals?Number one cause of accidents
Figures from the HSA show that livestock is the number one cause of 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 to 2018, 16% of all fatal farm accidents (33 deaths) were livestock-related, with over half of these (18 deaths) involving cows and heifers.
Too many deaths
Pat Griffin, senior inspector with the HSA, said that although 2018 saw a 40% decline in farm fatalities, there are still far too many deaths in the agriculture sector as well as a substantial number of very serious injuries.
"Working with livestock is a key incident trigger and there is no room for complacency among farmers. During the calving period, increased fatigue and stress levels are common.
"However, early planning and preparation can make a significant difference in the safe management of livestock and help prevent injury or even death," he said.
Read more
Man dies following Clare farm accident
Watch: preparing for calving on Tullamore Farm
Over 1.3m calf births expected before the end of March
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