Taking safety seriously is paramount in highly dangerous agriculture industry
THE fatality rate in agriculture is far higher than any other economic sector, according to the Health and Safety Authority of Ireland.
A large proportion of all fatal workplace accidents occur in agriculture, even though a small proportion of the workforce is employed in farming. Worringly, the level of farm accidents is not decreasing. Similar accidents occur each year.
Research indicates that, in general, farmers’ attitudes to safety only change after serious injury occurs.
The age profile of those killed is of serious concern. The old and the young are exceptionally vulnerable to death and injury on Irish farms.
Bull attacks accounted for a lot of livestock deaths. However, all livestock present a risk. Being crushed or gored by animals (particularly bulls) that are being herded, moved, separated, released or loaded onto trailers presents the highest risk. Cows with new-born young pose a significant risk.
Teagasc research indicates that 65%of all farm injuries are livestock related. Many of these accidents involve cattle (bulls, cows and bullocks) and occur when animals are being herded in fields or handled by farmers in farmyards or farm buildings.
The increase in livestock related accidents and deaths are attributable to inadequate handling facilities on farms, poor set up or taking risks when dealing with livestock, less contact between farmer and livestock and inadequate attention given to breeding animals for docility.
Prevention can be achieved by focusing on the handling facilities on the farm, the type of livestock and on the behaviour of the person working with the livestock.
Animals react unpredictably when they are handled by an unfamiliar person, are in unfamiliar surroundings, and when they are separated from a familiar group
Animals respond to the way they are treated and draw upon past experiences when reacting to a situation.
Good handling facilities are essential when handling cattle and other livestock. A proper crush is a must for safe livestock handling.
Also, use a well designed calving gate when calving cows.
Many serious farming accidents occur when loading and unloading livestock, so it’s vital to provide suitable facilities.
All bulls are potentially dangerous. Even seemingly placid bulls are unpredictable, so care is essential at all times.
Cows, and in particular heifers, can be unpredictable during or after calving. After calving, a cow may become aggressive towards any intruder in her space.
Cows have attacked and killed farmers.