4 farm safety basics not to overlook
Farming remains the most dangerous job in Ireland. With 137,000 farms in Ireland covering 4.6 million hectares of land, it’s important to look after the health and safety of yourself, other farm workers, and livestock. As we’ve been working with the agricultural community for more than a decade, here are some of the top tips we’ve picked up.
Maintain buildings and sheds
Adequate ventilation and lighting are key to maintaining safe and workable buildings for humans and animals. Keep buildings tidy and walkways clear to cut down on the number of falls. Provide ample lighting via artificial and natural lights to illuminate potential hazards and dark spaces.
Good ventilation reduces dampness and the accumulation of moisture, which keeps mould spores at bay. When possible, dampen down dust with before sweeping to minimise dust becoming airborne and being inhaled. Incorporating vented cladding and clearlight roofing sheets are inexpensive yet valuable solutions to help reduce the risk of injury.
Mind the slurry
Working with slurry can be dangerous for two main reasons: drowning and gas poisoning. Drowning is the most common cause of death involving slurry, and children on farms are particularly high risk. 30% of fatal child accidents on farms were caused by drowning in slurry or water. Protect access to the slurry with covered tanks and lagoons surrounded by a 1.8m unclimbable fence.
Never work alone with slurry. Be sure to agitate outdoors or in a well-ventilated area as the gases are both dangerous and odourless. Remember to remove livestock from the area and keep all people away from the agitation point for 30 minutes after starting agitation. Even a small breath of these gases can kill a human. Cover the tank to avoid fall ins.
Keep up machinery
50% of deaths in farming are due to machinery or farm vehicles. Avoid injuries by checking all the machinery and equipment parts before use. If any look worn, get them repaired or replaced at once. Not only will the machine perform more efficiently, but it’s also safer for the user. When finished with the equipment, don’t forget to replace the safety guard — a simple yet often overlooked preventative action.
If you require a metal part that needs to be made, ask the experts at Lasercut who might be able to help get one cut.
Look after the livestock
The majority of farm accidents involve handling livestock. Extra care should be given to infrequently handled livestock, suckler herds, and cows with calf during calving season as they are protective of their young and easily threatened.
Well-designed livestock handling facilities such as a cattle crush, calving pen, etc is essential to protect both the animals and farmers. Metal fencing and gates can be cut and folded to your requirements by our team at Lasercut. Agricultural cladding such as our grant approved AgriSpec combined with vented and clearlight sheets contribute to a healthy living environment.
Want to know more?
If you would like to learn more, we would love to hear from you. We try to offer a uniquely personal experience based on an absolute commitment to our customers and their needs.
We understand the different demands of agricultural buildings, which is why we also carry a full range of products including Purlins, Flashings, Insulated Panel, our grant approved AgriSpec sheeting, and other accessories. Our knowledgeable, professional and friendly staff can answer all of your questions and advise a complete solution to best fit your building needs.
At Irish Rollforming, we work hard to deliver excellent customer service, product quality, quick turnaround time and competitive pricing. We think you’ll enjoy dealing with us.
Call us now on 021 733 3987