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.

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