Take a moment to review farm safety measures
Farm safety remains a critical concern, with agriculture accounting for a disproportionate share of workplace fatalities. Paul Mullins of Teagasc Athenry urges farmers to use quieter periods to inspect and improve safety practices on their holdings.
Source:
Teagasc Agricultural News
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⏱️ 1 min read
Although farming employs a relatively small fraction of the workforce, it tragically accounts for around 40% of workplace deaths. Paul Mullins, Education Officer at Teagasc Athenry, highlights August as an ideal time to pause and re-examine farm safety amid a quieter phase between the busy spring and autumn seasons.
Mullins advises farmers to walk their farms with fresh eyes, ideally accompanied by someone unfamiliar with the layout, to spot hazards and areas needing attention. Simple steps such as tidying yards, properly securing gates, and ensuring machinery is clean and well-maintained can significantly reduce risks. He stresses the importance of regular checks on tractor windows, lights, brakes, and services to prevent breakdowns and accidents.
Regarding livestock, Mullins recommends safely managing stock bulls during their less active periods by keeping them in secure paddocks to minimise interaction risks. He also encourages farmers to reflect on challenges faced last winter—such as yard surfaces and lighting—and to address these ahead of the colder months. Revisiting or updating the Health and Safety Authority’s farm risk assessment document is strongly advised to identify overlooked dangers. Prioritising these safety measures will help protect lives during the demanding autumn period.
Mullins advises farmers to walk their farms with fresh eyes, ideally accompanied by someone unfamiliar with the layout, to spot hazards and areas needing attention. Simple steps such as tidying yards, properly securing gates, and ensuring machinery is clean and well-maintained can significantly reduce risks. He stresses the importance of regular checks on tractor windows, lights, brakes, and services to prevent breakdowns and accidents.
Regarding livestock, Mullins recommends safely managing stock bulls during their less active periods by keeping them in secure paddocks to minimise interaction risks. He also encourages farmers to reflect on challenges faced last winter—such as yard surfaces and lighting—and to address these ahead of the colder months. Revisiting or updating the Health and Safety Authority’s farm risk assessment document is strongly advised to identify overlooked dangers. Prioritising these safety measures will help protect lives during the demanding autumn period.
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