Farm Safety: How Aware Are You?

Once again, the fatality rate in agriculture has been disproportionally greater than any other economic sector and shows no evidence of decreasing. Farmers are eight times more likely to be fatally injured in a farm accident than the general working population. This is despite concerted efforts from a range of agencies to educate and increase awareness about the everyday dangers on farms. Research is showing that it is the same incidents that are taking lives every year but that attitudes to safety change only in the aftermath of serious injury or death.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) provide the following data, which makes for glum reading: 

Tractors and other machinery accounted for 50% of farm deaths in the ten-year period up to and including 2019: that is a total of 104 lives lost and families devastated. Falling from a height attributed to 20 deaths and livestock caused the deaths of 39 farmers. The data shows that children and older farmers are most at risk. 

A harrowing 9.8% (21 lives) of all agricultural fatalities in the same ten-year timeframe were children, while the over 65 age group made up 43% (91 people) of all deaths. Tractors and other machinery were involved in the deaths of 81% of the children killed and 45% of older farmers. Livestock were involved in the accidents of 26% of the older farmers killed. With the exception of November, a minimum of 3 people died in every single month in a farm accident in 2019. 

Serious injury also brings devastating consequences, not only to the victim but to their family and, potentially, to the long-term viability of maintaining the farm. Approximately 2500 serious injuries occur every year on Irish farms although many non-fatal accidents go unreported. Simple, everyday tasks are often the cause of injuries: we all become complacent when undertaking a job that has become habitual. Hand injuries (including loss of limb and ligament damage) are very common and can come about under the most mundane circumstances but require long recuperation periods and time off the farm. Using gloves, turning off mobile phones, the maintenance of safety features on tools/equipment and current tetanus immunisation are basic but valuable recommendations for risk reduction.

A recurring theme that emerges from the accounts of survivors of farm accidents is the speed in which they happen: “a split second”, “it happened so quickly”, “in a flash”. The harsh truth is that farms are dangerous places. But, if the research is true and farmers only begin assessing their own risk after experiencing a death or serious injury in their family, neighbourhood or community, then perhaps more can be done to avert tragedy and to maximise every chance for a safer working environment. The HSA offers a risk assessment document for farmers to use as a base point for establishing the safety of their own practices. This is, essentially, an opportunity for farmers to dedicate a small amount of time to identifying safety loopholes within their own farming operations and to take the necessary precautions to address these issues. The HSA also provide online farm safety videos and a range of other guidance documents, including a free children’s e-book called 'Stay Safe on the Farm with Jessy'. 

None of us care to admit our vulnerability, but it is a fact that older farmers are more likely to be the victim of a serious farm accident. As our hearing and vision disimprove and our reflex speed begins to wane, we are more susceptible to injury. It is imperative therefore that older farmers address and recognise their limitations, as difficult as this may be. Work practices can continue, albeit with adjustment or support. It is vital to ask for help. The IFA and the HSA have jointly produced a series of videos entitled Older, Wiser, Safer – A Practical Guide to Safety for Older Farmers. These do not make for pleasant viewing but certainly give pause for thought. 

It is not all negative, however. In 2015, Ireland was ranked in the top five European countries with the lowest cases of farm fatalities. Given the preventability of many of the accidents that do occur, and the onus on the farm owner to minimise their occurrence, it is worthwhile considering external support. Health and safety advisors can provide an independent assessment on your farm and identify weak points that you may not see. Too often, our own perceptions of or attitudes towards risk are not entirely accurate either. It is a small investment when considered in the context of the value of your life to your family and your business, and small changes may lead to major safety improvements. Advisors can easily be sourced online. 

For more information and resources, visit https://www.hsa.ie/eng/Your_Industry/Agriculture_Forestry/

The link to Stay Safe on the Farm with Jessy is https://www.hsa.ie/eng/Your_Industry/Agriculture_Forestry/Livestock/Children_s_Book_Stay_Safe_on_the_Farm_with_Jessy_/

Older, Wiser Safer – A Practical Guide to Safety for Older Farmers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIHEgijBB5U&feature=youtu.be