Other - Farm safety during the Christmas holiday period - Teagasc ...

22 December 2024

The Christmas holidays bring a buzz to farms, with family home and friends visiting. Amid the festive hustle, it’s vital to prioritise safety. Francis Bligh, Health & Safety Specialist, shares essential tips to keep you and your farm safe during this busy time.

Help with farm tasks

People returning home can be an opportunity for a farmer to delegate some jobs and get some much-needed rest. However, including people in farming tasks can also increase the risk of a serious accident if this work is not carefully managed.

As farming activities carry many risks, help must be accepted with caution. Tasks must be selected to match the capability and age of the person. Each task must be adequately explained and planned (including supervision) to ensure it is carried out safely.

People who have been away from the farm for a period of time will need more time to plan jobs and feel comfortable performing the work. Only competent operators should handle machinery or work directly with livestock.

Child safety

Child safety must be the primary concern over the holiday period. Children using the farm as a playground should not be allowed. A designated play area must be provided, or children must be supervised.

Children will often want to help out, and encouraging their involvement in the farm is very important. However, it is essential to select tasks appropriate to the individual. They must always receive clear instructions and be supervised. The Teagasc website offers a large range of farm safety resources for children.

Rushing and tiredness

Good planning and preparation are essential to avoid the risks associated with rushing and tiredness. Rushing to meet an unrealistic timeline, such as attending a function or meeting friends, can have devastating consequences.

Working long hours after a late night out can also reduce your ability to concentrate and increase risk. Be realistic about your abilities and those of others helping on your farm. Take your time and seek assistance when needed. More information on time management.

Lighting

Check the lighting on buildings, tractors, and machinery, and carry out repairs where necessary. Ensure that all regular walkways are well-lit and replace any blown bulbs.

When erecting Christmas lights, avoid overhead power lines, overloaded power sockets, damaged cables, and trip hazards.

Farm animals

The Christmas holiday period often coincides with the birth of new animals on many farms. Good animal-handling facilities and physical barriers must be in place when assisting a cow during calving or helping a calf to suckle.

Good lambing pens, proper lighting, and cameras can also be very useful if lambing is taking place. For more information, refer to the Health and Safety Newsletter.

Road safety

Drivers of agricultural machinery should drive cautiously. It is important to increase visibility by using lights and beacons, particularly during inclement weather or in low-light conditions, such as early mornings and evenings.

First aid box

Take the time to check your first aid box to ensure it is fully stocked and that all items are in date. Additionally, ensure your Eircode is written down in a visible place so it can be accessed quickly in an emergency.

Severe Weather

Christmas and early January often bring severe weather. Before heading outdoors, take a moment to consider the conditions and wear suitable, warm clothing. Always carry a mobile phone.

During frost or icy conditions, maintain clear routes around farm buildings and keep a stock of gritting material or salt. A slip or fall can have serious consequences. Checking the insulation on water pipes before cold weather sets in is also a valuable use of time.

Be Winter-Ready Campaign

The Be Winter-Ready campaign is a government initiative to raise awareness about the challenges that winter can present. This year, the campaign focuses on “Staying Safe on the Farm over Winter”.

The Office of Emergency Planning, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, has designed a leaflet on farm safety.

Think about safety during each farm task this Christmas and make safety and health a priority for 2025.

More information on Farm Health & Safety