Genfitt's Farm Safety Tips Over The Christmas

Dec 15 2021

Genfitt’s Farm Safety Tips Over The Christmas

By: Aoife Gallagher
Date: 15th December 2021

Christmas is a time where people relax, unwind, and just take it easy. However, this is not the case for farmers. They work all year long and their daily tasks still need to be conducted during Christmas.

Unfortunately most accidents on the farm happen in the evenings when it’s darker and the days are shorter. Farmers should try to complete their tasks earlier in the day before it gets dark.

When it comes to working outside during Winter, people usually know to wear warm clothes. But the question is, do you know how to stay safe on the farm during Winter? Genfitt have put together a list of important tips to ensure there are no accidents on the farm this Christmas.

Ensure all yard lights are working

Farmers should make sure all lights are working properly to ensure maximum visibility. Ideally this should be done prior to stock being housed. Lights should be checked regularly and light covers should be cleaned. Consider upgrading to LED lighting for greater efficiency and output. It is a good idea to have spare bulbs ready if needed. Check all flood lights and halogen lights are working sufficiently. Clean glass and repair bulbs where necessary. Bring a work lamp/torch with you.

Be careful with farm machinery

Unfortunately over half of farm accidents in Ireland involve tractors and other farm machinery. Farmers will need to operate farm machinery over the Christmas whether it’s bringing in fodder, pushing in bales or blocks of silage. Farmers should ensure all machinery is in perfect working order. Loose clothing or jackets with hanging drawstrings should not be worn on farm machinery. The braking system on the tractor should be checked regularly including the handbrake. It is important that the tractor windscreen, mirrors and windows are clear before starting the tractor. Don’t rush jobs and drive carefully.

Be Safe, Be Seen

Farmers should always wear a fluorescent hi-vis when working on the farm. This will increase visibility when working near machinery and in the dark. It is a good idea to hold spare hi-vis vests in the tractor in case you forget to put it on before you leave.

Livestock safety

Farmers will handle stock over the Christmas so make sure that handling equipment are working and fully functional. It is important that all gates are swinging, have bolts and latches working to allow livestock to be moved quickly if necessary. It is a good idea to have extra help when moving livestock but if that’s not possible make sure you have your mobile phone with you at all times.

Power up

Make sure you have a backup power source if needed in the event of extreme weather conditions, such as a diesel generator. If there are any electrical repairs needed, make sure they are done by a professional electrician.

Children & Elderly

Children should be supervised at all times on the farm regardless of the time of year. According to statistics from the Health and Safety Authority (HAS), on average between 2006 and 2015, 3 children were killed in farm accidents every year, as a result of tractors, other farm machinery and drowning. Ensure children are wearing hi-vis vests and are always in your line of vision. Make sure they are aware of the dangerous areas of the farm. Ensure all open water tanks, wells and slurry tanks are fenced off. To promote safety for children on farms, a new gaming app was developed in recent years by Agrikids. This app would really benefit young children that live on farms so that they are aware of the dangers. Keep the kids entertained over the Christmas by downloading the app here.

Older farmers should be aware that ageing affects mobility, eyesight and balance. They should ask for assistance when needed in completing the daily tasks over the holidays. Accidents among farmers over 55 years are unfortunately very common. Older farmers should refrain from heights and ensure they are assisted in handling stock.

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