Farm Wiser to Farm Longer

HSENI, DAERA and the Farm Safety Partnership have launched a powerful new advertising campaign aimed at reducing the number of work-related deaths and injuries among older farmers.

Older farmers are the backbone of our agricultural community. To them farming is a way of life, in what is a physically demanding and unpredictable working environment. As they get older their experience and knowledge increases - but sadly so do the risks.

We know they are more likely to suffer an injury or fatality on the farm when working at heights, with equipment or with animals. And sadly, those who are injured take longer to recover, in fact some may never farm again.

Farm Wiser to Farm Longer.

Understanding the risks

We know that the accidents happening to older farmers are not because they’re careless but often because they’re doing tasks they’ve done for years without adapting to their own changing abilities.

Below you will find information on common risks and the practical steps you can take to farm longer.

Vehicles - Routine jobs can carry real risks

The risk

Farm vehicles remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death for older farmers. 

Risks from vehicles are widespread including being struck or crushed by moving vehicles, vehicles overturning, losing traction or having mechanical failures.

Reduced balance, grip strength and slower reaction times can turn routine jobs into high-risk tasks.

Stop and think:

• Am I using the safest vehicle for the job?
• Am I competent to operate the vehicle?
• Can I get in and out safely?
• Can I apply the handbrake properly?

Take action:

• Consider switching from a quad to a side-by-side vehicle with a seatbelt
• Always wear the seatbelt
• Keep vehicles well maintained - especially brakes and controls
• Always use the handbrake, put the vehicle in neutral and switch off the engine before leaving the cab

Livestock - Animals are unpredictable

The risk

Even quiet animals can behave unpredictably. Physical changes associated with aging, such as reduced strength, mobility, balance, eyesight and reaction time, increase the risk of serious or fatal injuries when working with livestock.

Stop and think:

• Do I need to consider changing the type of animal I keep e.g. transition from activities like calving to a dry stock system?
• Do I have appropriate handling facilities for the livestock I keep?
• Do I have a safe escape route?
• Am I rushing or working alone?
• Is this animal safe to handle?
• Do I have my mobile phone with me for an emergency?

Take action:

• Avoid working alone with cattle
• Cull aggressive animals
• Use handling aids and proper facilities
• Don’t take risks with animals you’re unsure about
• Use CCTV to reduce unnecessary yard visits

Working at heights - One fall can change everything

The risk

Working at height is an ever-present danger on farms. Falls from ladders and heights are a major cause of life-changing injuries among older farmers.

Stop and think:

• Do I really need to climb?
• Is there a safer way to do this job?
• Is the equipment safe and suitable for the job?
• Do I have a plan for doing the work safely?

Take action:

• Avoid ladders where possible
• Work from the ground using long-handled tools
• If you have to work at height you must plan the job and use appropriate equipment
• Never lift people on tractor/telehandler forks or buckets
• Take consideration of weather conditions when carrying out work, wind, rain, ice, snow and poor light increases risk
• Know your limitations and employ professionals with proper access equipment for high risk jobs

Health - Your safety comes first

The risk

As we get older, changes in health, strength and mobility can increase the risk of accidents. Injuries also take longer to recover from and can stop you farming altogether.

Stop and think:

• Am I fit and able to do this job today?
• Am I putting myself at risk?
• Should I be asking for help?

Take action:

• Get regular health checks (eyesight, hearing, blood pressure)
• Let someone know where you’re working and check in regularly
• Carry a mobile phone with you so you can call for help if needed
• Avoid working alone for high-risk jobs
• Use good technique and handling aids to reduce strain
• Improve lighting in yards and sheds

Small changes today can keep you farming tomorrow.

Resources and more information

• Stop and Think Safe Campaign
• Working safely with farm equipment and vehicles
• Animals - working safely with livestock
• Falls - working safely at height on farms
• Workplace health topics
• Farm Safe Essentials