Thursday, 16th
August 2018
East Cork
Business
info@eastcorkjournal.ie
25
Unfortunately the level
of farm accidents is not de- creasing and similar types of accidents are occurring each year and of concern is the age profile of those involved in accidents. The old and the young are ex- ceptionally vulnerable
by KAREN WALSH Practical Tips in re-
spect of Health & Safe- ty on the Farm
Farm Safety Week re-
cently took place and it is important that awareness about safety is increased amongst farmers as farm accidents are increasingly common and the Health Safety Authority has con- firmed that the fatality rate in agriculture is far higher than any other economic sector. A large proportion of all fatal workplace acci- dents occur in agriculture, even though a small pro- portion of the workforce is employed in farming.
The law on health and safety in Ireland is gov- erned by common law and statute. The main leg- islation providing for the health and safety of peo- ple in workplaces is Safe- ty, Health and Welfare at Work Acts 1989 and 2005. Under the acts there are
obligations for farmers to have the following in place: •
A safe place of
work which includes the farmyard and buildings •
practices and procedures •
and machinery @eastcorkjournal / #eastcorkjournal
Safe working Safe equipment
death and injury on Irish farms and accident often involve family members of farmers.
•
A safe way in
and out of the farmyard and other places of work, including farm buildings •
training for workers •
to
Information and Personal protec-
tive equipment where nec- essary •
A safe system for
the storage, handling and use of articles and sub- stances •
Adequate toilet
and washing facilities The Health and Safety
Authority Code of Prac- tice for preventing injury and occupational injury in Agriculture is an inval- uable document that all farmers should read and consider.
are
In addition to this, here some practical
tips
farmers should consider in respect of safety:
• Make sure you
properly maintain cattle crushes, cattle-handling units and holding pens; •
Always handle eastcorkjournal • petent persons to
Allow only com- drive
tractors. Remember that children must be at least
animals with caution and use proper handling facil- ities; •
Make sure that all animal handlers are
competent and wear pro- tective clothing and equip- ment; •
with suitable
Provide staff breathing
equipment and make sure they wear it, especially as slurry pits produce danger- ous gases such as hydrogen sulphide and ammonia; •
While agitating
slurry it is very important to make sure you have high levels of ventilation. Pick a windy day. Evacuate
people and livestock from sheds, and open all doors and outlets; •
all Always ensure
that the PTO and the PTO shaft are properly covered, and that you always disen- gage the PTO before you dismount the tractor;
14 years old, have received training, and be under the supervision of a responsi- ble adult before they are allowed to drive a tractor. They must be 16 years of age and hold at least a learner permit before they can drive in a public place; •
Train persons to
operate tractors and ma- chinery and complete jobs safely; •
Check equip-
ment and machinery be- fore use; •
Particular care
should be taken when an- imals are initially released from buildings after being housed for a period of time; •
Ensure that safe-
guards are understood by workers; •
fencing alongside
head power lines; •
Try not to rush
jobs where safety might be put at risk, particularly in dangerous areas such as on muddy ground, on ladders and so on;
Do not put up over-
If you have concerns
regarding farms safety it is recommended you contact
the Health and
Safety Authority or Tea- gasc. Teagasc is the state agency with responsibility for advice, training and research in agriculture and food. It has integrated, in its training and advisory programmes, safety
and
health training related to practical compliance with ‘safety, health and welfare at work’ legislation. If you were involved in an ac- cident
or have concerns
regarding your legal obli- gations in respect of farm
•
Use
ladders
properly. Ladders must al- ways be solid and properly secured; •
make sure that
done safely; •
Always
someone where you will be and for how long; •
bile phone is fully charged and with you at all times;
Plan work so to it can be
tell Ensure your mo-
safety, we would recom- mend you consult with a solicitor.
Karen Walsh, from a farming background, is a solicitor practicing in Walsh & Partners, So- licitors, 17, South Mall, Cork (021-4270200), and author of ‘Farming and the Law’. Walsh & Part- ners also specialises in personal injury claims, conveyancing, probate and family law.
Email: info@walshand-
partners.ie Web: www.walshand-
partners.ie Disclaimer: While every care in
is taken to ensure accuracy of information contained article,
does not accept
this
solicitor Karen Walsh responsibility
for errors or omissions howsoev- er arising, and you should seek legal advice in relation to your particular circumstances at the earliest possible time.
Tel: 021 463 8000 • Email:
info@eastcorkjournal.ie • Web:
www.eastcorkjournal.ie
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