The vast majority of serious injuries to both vets and farmers are unknown as most go unreported. It is, however, understood to be significant in terms of numbers. The number of health and safety inspections on farms has fallen by more than a third in just two years despite a worrying rise in farm deaths (Irish Examiner, 2018). This highlights the necessity for vets and farmers to provide and maintain safe working environments.
Figures from the Health and Safety Authority show 26 deaths involving livestock from 2006 to 2016. This figure does not account for fatal accidents to veterinary surgeons as they are not classified in the agricultural sector. There have been 2 fatalities at work involving vets in the past 5 years (Health and Safety Authority, 2016).
As a result, farms are set to receive significant attention this year with 2,000 inspections planned. Agriculture Commissioner, Phil Hogan recently said that Irish farmers who break farm safety rules will risk losing their EU grants. This course of action is felt necessary to prevent more tragic and preventable farm deaths (FarmIreland, 2018).
Duties
The employer is required to have a safety statement with risk assessments covering the risks and control measures for working with animals. They are also required to report any accident/incident which keeps them out of work for more than 3 consecutive days after the day of the accident.
Where a vet visits a farm to care for the farmer’s livestock, the farmer has a duty of care to provide a safe place of work. However, it is then up to the vet to ensure that the work can be carried out safely. The vet should voice concerns where facilities or conditions present health or safety risks, and work should not commence unless measures to control the risk can be put in place.
Working with Animals
Always consider the following when working with animals.
Is the animal restrained? If not, is there an escape route or safe place to take shelter?
Think about the animal and the task. Veterinary work may agitate or stress animals.
Be extra wary around cows that are on heat, or cows with new-born calves as they can be unpredictable.
It’s not always just the vet or farmer who may be at risk. Ensure inexperienced handlers or children are never at risk from animals.
Does the facility have adequate lighting? This is particularly important at this time of year with limited natural light available.
Handling Facilities
Every farm should provide handling facilities which are fit for their purpose, well maintained and in good working order. This may seem expensive, but they will last many years and when the business cost of an accident is considered, there really is a no better alternative.
The forcing pen, collecting pens and race should be designed to allow for cattle movement while keeping workers from being crushed. Gates should be designed so that they can open fully against a pen wall.
The crush must be secured to the floor, or to a suitable vehicle if mobile. You should never treat or work with any animal who is held by gates alone or is free to move at will.
Ground surfaces should be kept clean and dry.
Preventing disease
Diseases such as E. coli and salmonellosis that are transferred from animal to human are known as zoonotic diseases. Control measures need to be implemented to reduce the risk of infection.
Animals should be vaccinated where possible.
Always wear personal protective equipment (gloves, masks etc.) when handling animals or potentially infected material such as faeces or after-birth.
Always wash and dry your hands after working with animals. Especially before eating, drinking or smoking (Health and Safety Executive, 2018).
If you have any questions in relation to farm safety, please contact our expert employment law advisors on the 24 Hour Advice Service on 0818 923 923
References
Health and Safety Authority (2016) http://bit.ly/2HbyfQ0
Irish Examiner (2018) http://bit.ly/2sqPYPR
FarmIreland (2018) http://bit.ly/2BWlnhf
Health and Safety Executive http://bit.ly/2stoEyk
