Watch: Managing farm safety and health video series launched
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Farm Safety, Martin Heydon TD launched videos covering a range of farm safety and health hazards on farms.
The videos show ‘best practice’ related to facilities and behaviours for farm safety on farms. A large number of farm families and over 50 people contributed to the videos. The development of the video series was led by Teagasc health and safety specialists, Dr John McNamara and Mr Francis Bligh, in association with FBD insurance and the Health and Safety Authority, and produced by Farm TV.
"I would like to compliment all involved in the production of this video series. The videos are short and concise. Each one, which takes a couple of minutes to view, contains a wealth of information on how farmers can make changes, which not only protect themselves and their loved ones, but also helps them to carry out their work more efficiently," Minister Heydon stated at the launch.
"Every year there are thousands of non-fatal incidents on farms. I firmly believe if we can reduce these then we will reduce the number of fatal and life-changing incidents," he said.
Dr John McNamara, Teagasc Senior Health and Safety Specialist, stated: "These videos can be used to enhance the quality of farm health and safety training courses and social media video content. Teagasc research shows that visual materials are very positively received and motivate adoption of both safe behaviours and improved farm facilities for safety and health."
Mr Ciaran Roche, Risk Manager FBD stated; "FBD believes that this video series can help make a real difference in improving safety culture and behaviour on Irish farms. By showing farmers ‘best practice’ on video this will allow farmers to implement these safety standards on their own farms, making Irish farms a safer place for everyone. ”
Meanwhile, Mr Pat Griffin Senior Inspector with the Health and Safety Authority stated: "Simply reading about farm health and safety has a limited effect, but viewing these videos and practicing what is shown is a strong approach to gain change. The Health and Safety Authority and the Farm Safety Partnership have worked closely with Teagasc and FBD Insurance on producing these short videos."
Watch the videos below
Child safety
A farm is a great environment to grow up on, but the farm and farmyards are dangerous. 10% of all fatalities on farms involve children. Children should not be allowed on the farm if they are not properly supervised.
Older persons safety
Older farmers can continue to be safe and productive. The key is the ability of them and their families to recognise age-related risk factors, as well as the willingness to modify expectations and physical activity accordingly.
Tractor Safety
Tractors and farm vehicles can help you save time, money and increase productivity, but they are also very hazardous if not operated in a safe manner.
Machinery Safety
Modern agriculture is increasingly dependent on the use of machinery in order to carry out tasks in the most efficient way possible. However, HSA statistics show machinery accounts for 8 % of fatal injuries on farms. Machinery is also a significant cause of serious injuries on farms.
Livestock Safety
It is estimated that over 40% of all farm accidents (fatal and non-fatal) involve livestock. While many are associated with the handling of bulls, most accidents occur during routine tasks such as herding, loading, drenching, vaccinating, testing and handling cows at calving.
Livestock Handling
Well-designed cattle handling facilities based on animal behaviour principles are essential on every farm with cattle. They help to minimise stress on the animal and make cattle handling tasks easier and safer. The handling facility should fit in with your day-to-day activities seamlessly.
Sheep Safety
Sheep farming can be a physically demanding job. Tasks like dipping and foot care can involve intense repetitive handling during which the same muscles are strained. Good sheep handling facilities and techniques will help to improve safety and welfare for the handler and sheep.
Slurry Handling Safety
Livestock farming produces large amounts of organic waste which is a great source of organic nutrients but needs careful handling to prevent death and life-changing injury.
Harvesting Safety
Harvest season calls for advance planning and even farmers and contractors with years of experience need to be aware of the dangers associated with this activity and take the necessary precautions.
Workshop Safety
Every farm has a requirement to carry out machinery maintenance and repairs. Adopting safe work practices are essential when carrying out maintenance or repairs in the workshop. If equipment is not used safely, serious or fatal injury can occur.
Chemical Safety
Chemicals such as animal medicines, sprays, fertilisers, oils, disinfectants, dairy detergents and slurry gases can pose considerable risk to farmers. Chemicals need to be stored and used correctly to protect your health and safety.
Health of Farmers
Managing your own personal health and safety needs to be central to good management on the farm.