Farm Risk Management

Unfortunately the farming sector has statistically suffered high levels of accidents and fatalities.

Here are a number of common farm hazards and some suggestions at minimising the associated risks

These tips are intended as a general guide – contact your risk management adviser for specific advice on how to minimise the risks your farm may be exposed to.

Safety around machinery

• Ensure all power take-off shafts are adequately guarded
• Tractors must be properly maintained with cabs or safety frames fitted to OECD standard. Always remember to have the hand brake on and cab locked when not in use
• Ensure all vehicles and trailers have mirrors, lights and indicators in good working order
• Ensure any chain saws are fitted with a chain brake, safety chain, chain catcher, chain breakage guard and safety throttle
• Work safely with pressurised hydraulic oils

Safety with livestock

• Proper and regular maintenance of cattle handling units, cattle crushes and holding pens is essential
• Bulls to be ringed and the ring regularly inspected
• Make sure holding fields for dangerous animals are securely fenced off

Children’s safety

• Do not carry children as passengers on attachments or trailers
• Keep slurry pits covered
• Keep chemicals and pesticides safely stored
• Children are involved in one third of all accidents, so educate them on safety and regularly reinforce that message

Slurry pits

• Make sure everyone on your farm is aware of the hazards of the slurry pit, including the production of dangerous gases such as hydrogen sulphide and ammonia
• High levels of ventilation during agitation are vital
• Only undertake agitation of the pit with two people present, if possible
• Always avoid naked flames near pits

Farm health hazards

• Asthma or ‘Farmers' Lung’ can be caused by close work to spores, moulds and organic dusts, so wear a dust mask
• Leptospirosis can be caused by contact with stagnant water containing rats’ urine; symptoms are similar to a very bad attack of flu
• Brucellosis outbreaks still occur – always take precautions around infected animals
• Lyme disease can be transferred to humans by tick bites; keep arms and legs covered where possible and be alert to irritations and bites

Electrical Safety

• All wiring and electrical installations must comply with the government regulations
• Avoid temporary repairs by untrained people
• Watch out for incorrectly installed fuses, loose plug tops, faulty equipment and frayed cables
• Safe work procedures are essential near high voltage overhead lines. Fit RCDs with 30mA setting on all 220 and 380v socket circuits. Regular testing is important

You should also take a look at our guide to risk management, which identifies broader areas of risk for all kinds of businesses.

Call us on 022 21470 for a quotation or more information