Farmers and contractors reminded not to leave safety to chance
IN light of the recent number of child fatalities on farm and the busy period that farmers and contractors are facing into, the Farm Safety Partnership (FSP) is urging everyone to focus particularly on the safety of children and the risks posed by tractors and machinery.
The FSP is an advisory group to the Health and Safety Authority.
There have already been three tractor related child fatalities on farms so far this year. “Due to the Covid-19 pandemic more children are at home and looking for entertainment and adventure, and with this in mind we must redouble our efforts to keep them safe,” FSP said in a stement this week. “The farmyard and fields must be “no go areas” during work activity on the farm.”
Over the last 10 years, 83% of child fatalities on farms have involved vehicles/ tractors, quads and other machinery. Because of this it is imperative that children are kept away from working vehicles and machinery.
“Remember a tractor is not a babysitting aid and a child must be at least 7 years of age and be provided with a properly designed passenger seat (with a seat belt) inside a safety cab or frame before they are allowed to sit in a tractor. Children under the age of 14 must not be allowed to drive or operate tractors,” said FSP.
“It is essential that children are only allowed play in safe secure areas away from the working farm.
“When on the farm children must be supervised and kept away from all machinery, dangerous activities and livestock. These occasions should also be taken as an opportunity to teach children about the hazards on the farm and how to stay safe.”
Over the last 10 years, 50% of all farm fatalities have involved farm vehicles and machinery. The large powerful vehicles and machinery used during harvesting pose great danger to all, particularly children, young persons and the elderly living on the farm.
“Particular attention must be given to ensuring that tractors, trailers, mowers, harvesters and balers are maintained in good condition, adequately guarded and only operated in a safe manner by competent persons,” said FSP.
“Contractors and machinery operators must be extra vigilant coming out onto public roads and drive at safe speeds due to the substantial rise in the number of casual road users, involving people out walking, running and cycling on the roads.”
Contractors and their farming customers should agree safe operating procedures with regard to silage pit filling heights, so as to prevent the pit from collapsing and to ensure the stability of the rolling equipment to prevent loss of control or overturns. The sides of finished silage pits or clamps should be sloped at an angle of no more than 45°.
“During this very challenging and busy time on farms don’t leave safety to chance and make child safety your priority on the farm,” said the Farm Safety Partnership statement.
Also this week, Cork farmer and Munster IFA Chairman Harold Kingston added his voice to the message on safety. “As farmers we have to take the lead role in addressing this issue and that starts at home on our own farms. There have been eight confirmed deaths on Irish farms this year. This is not just a statistic, behind the numbers are heartbroken families,” he said.
“The message from IFA on farm safety is clear: farmers have to put safety first on their farms. The reality of the figures of injury and death on farms is devastating for the families involved. Farmers need to be serious about recognising the dangers of their workplace. They need to minimise all risks while taking on every job, both for themselves and others,” he said.