As we head into the summer months, it is important that farmers make safety part of their work preparations. Rushing around trying to get work done can often lead to a farm accident. Before the farm gets busy again during silage making and harvesting, take the time to ensure your farm is as safe as possible. Below are some key areas to investigate and consider for your own farm.
1 Update your risk assessment
The Risk Assessment document designed by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) for farms with three or fewer employees is well worth looking at to help you focus on the areas that may need attention. There is also an online version farmers can use through the BeSMART.ie website. Farmers can register and create a personalised farm risk assessment account. The idea of making a farm risk assessment is to reduce the chances of an accident occurring in your workplace. Farmers should read the information available on the website of the possible hazards in each area of their farms and then self-assess the situation in their own circumstances.
2 Farm clean-up
During a hectic spring, jobs such as cleaning and tidying are put on the back burner as there are just not enough hours in the day. With the arrival of May, most farmers will have more time.
This means jobs that were put off can be given the time required. A clean and tidy farmyard reduces the chances of trips and falls. It also helps boost morale working in a neat environment.
Everyone’s farm is different, with different sources of untidiness, but here are some areas that often need attention:
Silage plastic left in heaps beside animal housing. This can be gathered and recycled.Sweeping or scraping yards.Cleaning out straw-bedded sheds. Putting utensils and machinery used during winter back in storage.3 TAMS II
There are a number of safety items covered in the Targeted, Agricultural, Modernisation, Scheme (TAMS) II. Over the next few weeks it might be a good idea to think about what investments could make your farm safer. TAMS II offers 40% grant aid for general applicants and 60% for qualifying young farmers to cover the cost of certain investments. Here are some examples of safety items covered:
Safety grids under skylights.Livestock housing.Livestock handling equipment (mobile and fixed).Wiring and rewiring agricultural buildings.Tillage and slurry spreading equipment.The scheme is scheduled to remain open for applications until the end of 2020. However, if you are planning on carrying out building work which requires planning permission, it would be a good idea to get the ball rolling now.
4 Children on the farm
The advice from the HSA is very clear regarding children being present in the farmyard. If under the age of 12, children should at all times be fully supervised in the farmyard. However, the farmyard should be a prohibited area for children under 12 if tractors and other machinery are being operated. During the weekends and over the holiday periods children should be reminded of the dangers in the farmyard and be made well aware of the rules.
5 Tractors
Before taking your tractor on the road for summer work make sure it is roadworthy. Always ensure the tractor can be started by the key and the engine-stop control is effective. The vehicle controls should all be in working order and clearly marked. A tidy cab allows safe and easy use of the controls. Ensure the cab floor is kept clear to allow safe use of brakes and clutch. Brakes should be in good working order, balanced and interlocked, except when being used for field work. A properly functioning handbrake is essential. Mirrors, lights, indicators and wipers functioning, clean and visible.
As we head into the summer months, it is important that farmers make safety part of their work preparations. Rushing around trying to get work done can often lead to a farm accident. Before the farm gets busy again during silage making and harvesting, take the time to ensure your farm is as safe as possible. Below are some key areas to investigate and consider for your own farm.
1 Update your risk assessment
The Risk Assessment document designed by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) for farms with three or fewer employees is well worth looking at to help you focus on the areas that may need attention. There is also an online version farmers can use through the BeSMART.ie website. Farmers can register and create a personalised farm risk assessment account. The idea of making a farm risk assessment is to reduce the chances of an accident occurring in your workplace. Farmers should read the information available on the website of the possible hazards in each area of their farms and then self-assess the situation in their own circumstances.
2 Farm clean-up
During a hectic spring, jobs such as cleaning and tidying are put on the back burner as there are just not enough hours in the day. With the arrival of May, most farmers will have more time.
This means jobs that were put off can be given the time required. A clean and tidy farmyard reduces the chances of trips and falls. It also helps boost morale working in a neat environment.
Everyone’s farm is different, with different sources of untidiness, but here are some areas that often need attention:
Silage plastic left in heaps beside animal housing. This can be gathered and recycled.Sweeping or scraping yards.Cleaning out straw-bedded sheds. Putting utensils and machinery used during winter back in storage.3 TAMS II
There are a number of safety items covered in the Targeted, Agricultural, Modernisation, Scheme (TAMS) II. Over the next few weeks it might be a good idea to think about what investments could make your farm safer. TAMS II offers 40% grant aid for general applicants and 60% for qualifying young farmers to cover the cost of certain investments. Here are some examples of safety items covered:
Safety grids under skylights.Livestock housing.Livestock handling equipment (mobile and fixed).Wiring and rewiring agricultural buildings.Tillage and slurry spreading equipment.The scheme is scheduled to remain open for applications until the end of 2020. However, if you are planning on carrying out building work which requires planning permission, it would be a good idea to get the ball rolling now.
4 Children on the farm
The advice from the HSA is very clear regarding children being present in the farmyard. If under the age of 12, children should at all times be fully supervised in the farmyard. However, the farmyard should be a prohibited area for children under 12 if tractors and other machinery are being operated. During the weekends and over the holiday periods children should be reminded of the dangers in the farmyard and be made well aware of the rules.
5 Tractors
Before taking your tractor on the road for summer work make sure it is roadworthy. Always ensure the tractor can be started by the key and the engine-stop control is effective. The vehicle controls should all be in working order and clearly marked. A tidy cab allows safe and easy use of the controls. Ensure the cab floor is kept clear to allow safe use of brakes and clutch. Brakes should be in good working order, balanced and interlocked, except when being used for field work. A properly functioning handbrake is essential. Mirrors, lights, indicators and wipers functioning, clean and visible.
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