The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has completed a fortnight long intensive farm inspection campaign on Monday 26 February - they had planned over 400 inspections on the focus of safe working with livestock.
After tractors and machinery, accidents involving livestock are the next most common cause of fatalities on Irish farms; in the period 2008 - 2017 approximately 13% of all fatal farm accidents were livestock related, with half of those involving cows and heifers. During the calving period in February, the risk of serious injury could be high. Inspectors from the HSA focused on the common risks encountered and livestock safety in general.
Areas assessed during the livestock safety campaign include:
As much of the calving happened during short days, or at night, the farmers were encouraged to have plenty of well positioned lights around the yard as this would greatly improve visibility and safety - good handling facilities and holding areas where cows could be remotely monitored were also important.
Martin O’Halloran, the CEO of the HSA, said at the time that planning work with safety in mind is particularly important at this busy time on farms. "During what is now a more concentrated calving period, fatigue and increased stress levels are almost inevitable.
"However, some early planning can make a significant difference. This should include checking over everything that is needed to manage calving while continuing to feed stock. Review the overall tidiness of the yard, the free and safe movement of machinery, the condition of tractors, loaders, diet feeders, calving jacks and availability and placement of fresh bedding. Also clean and well bedded calving units will give you a good start."
Are you wondering why we're discussing legislation in the Republic of Ireland? Watch this space...
