22 July 2021

Keeping the elderly safe on farm

Protecting the public is today's theme in Farm Safety week so Áine Butler, Teagasc Advisor takes a look at Keeping the elderly safe on farm. Teagasc Farm Safety Specialists Francis Bligh and John Mc Namara have important safety tips also

Getting older impacts on a person’s ability to undertake tasks in the same way as when they were younger. Farm Safety Specialists Francis Bligh and John Mc Namara have some relevant advice.

You are NEVER too experienced !

Tractors, machinery, livestock or falls from height were the main causes of farm accidents in older farmers. Getting older can affect a person’s mobility, eyesight balance and reaction time. It is important that these changes are recognised and farmers take account of their changing abilities.

Some important safety tips

Assess dangers before carrying out hazardous work, particularly involving tractors, machinery, livestock or working at heights.
Properly maintained machinery will significantly reduce the risk.
Always ask the question before each job.

Can I carry out this job safely.
Do I need better facilities
Do I need to get help for specific jobs.
Do I need to change my farming system (less calving cows to more drystock cattle) to help reduce the physical demands associated with calving cows.

Use your phone to keep in touch. Always carry a mobile phone when farming and inform someone about where you are going and when you expect to be back.

Watch as Áine Butler, Teagasc Advisor gives some top tips in this short video for keeping our elderly safe while involved on our farms

For further Farm Safety information check out the Farm Safety Week Section on the Teagasc Website.

All this week on Teagasc Daily we are following the themes of Farm Safety Week on a Daily basis so be sure to check in with Teagasc Daily each day for more

#FarmSafetyWeek