HSA To Inspect 300 Farms In The Coming Weeks

With a 40% drop in farm fatalities last year, HSA is determined to continue the downward trend by inspecting 300 farms across the country over the next two weeks.

The key focus of the campaign which is run by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) will be on identifying crush zones and preventing impact injuries, which usually involve tractors and machinery or being caught by an animal that has suddenly turned aggressive.

Speaking about how many of these accidents occur, Pat Griffin, senior inspector with the HSA, said:

“I believe many of these crush injuries and deaths are actually caused by excessive workload, pressure, stress, improvising and taking short cuts. These factors coupled with fatigue, can be a lethal combination. By managing workload the risks can be reduced.”

Following this he gave people some simple steps that can be considered for managing workload.

Prioritise activities: Make choices about what to do and when to do it. Do the most important jobs first and spread workload out over time.
Plan ahead: Allocate enough time for daily activities and plan for busy seasonal periods. Consider getting extra help at very busy periods where fatigue becomes a major factor.
Pacing: Organise a routine so on average the same amount of work is done each day. Plan what is going to be done rather than responding to what needs to be done.

So far this year three people have lost their lives on Irish farms.

While fatalities in the sector were back last year, agriculture still stands as the most dangerous sector to work in with 18 of the 55 work related deaths in 2015.

For further information on all things Health & Safety around the farm, visit HSA.ie/Agriculture

(Source – Irish Farmers Journal – Shane Murphy – 10/04/2016)

Be very careful when making tyre changes, stick to the tyre size recommended and be very cautious about the value offered with part-worn tyres.

Farm Safety Fortnight To Focus On Preventing Injuries From Tractors And Livestock

Tomorrow, Monday April 11, is the beginning of an intensive two-week farm safety inspection campaign with Inspectors from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) visiting roughly 300 farms across the country.

According to the HSA, the key focus of the campaign will be on identifying crush zones and preventing impact injuries, which usually involve tractors and machinery or being caught by an animal that has suddenly turned aggressive.

Crush zones are generally between the tractor and an attachment or machine, or within the machine itself.

The HSA is encouraging farmers to learn how to recognise these zones and ensure that the risks to themselves and others are controlled.

Calving and livestock handling facilities should be designed to minimise the risk of being attacked by aggressive animals, it advises.

Make sure that tyres are properly inflated at all times for your safety and that of your passengers

Speaking about how many of these accidents occur, Pat Griffin Senior Inspector with the HSA said that he believes many of these crush injuries and deaths are actually caused by excessive workload, pressure, stress, improvising and taking short cuts.

“These factors coupled with fatigue, can be a lethal combination. By managing workload the risks can be reduced.”

There are few simple steps that can be considered for managing workload:

Prioritise activities: Make choices about what to do and when to do it. Do the most important jobs first and spread workload out over time.
Plan ahead: Allocate enough time for daily activities and plan for busy seasonal periods. Consider getting extra help at very busy periods where fatigue becomes a major factor.
Pacing: Organise a routine so on average the same amount of work is done each day. Plan what is going to be done rather than responding to what needs to be done.

During ‘Farm Safety Fortnight’ the HSA will also be highlighting the importance of safety for young children on farms.

“Children should have safe play areas away from work activity, and in full view of the farm house.

“They should be given clear instruction on safety issues and kept away from dangerous areas such as slurry pits, working machinery and high areas,” Griffen said.

(Source – Agriland – Amy Forde – 10/04/2016)

Guidelines For The Preparation Of A Safety Statement For A Farm

HSA – Farm Safety Risk Assessment Document

HSA – Farm Safety Action Plan – 2013-2015