Following an incident in April at a mart in Mohill, Co Leitrim where a man in his 70’s was attacked by a bull, the Aurivo Co-operative Society made the decision to close all four of its marts to review health and safety procedures. The incident brought the health and safety procedures in operation at mart yards into sharp focus.
Health and safety law
Operators of livestock marts have a legal responsibility to provide:
- a safe place of work
- safe plant and equipment
- safe methods of working
- competent workers
- adequate welfare facilities.
Mart yard risks
Certain factors increase the risks in mart yard environments compared to the farm. Livestock handlers bear the brunt of this risk as animals are likely to project heightened agitation or nervousness in the form of aggression. They may react to a number of factors including:
- different environment
- different people
- unfamiliar sounds and often loud noises
- separation from herd mates
- no immediate feed is available.
The Health and Safety Authority issued a document titled “Guidance of the Safe Handling of Livestock at Marts and Lairages” in 2010 which highlights the importance of employing competent cattle handlers who are skilled and trained in animal behaviour.
Response of co-operatives
In response to the incident in Mohill, Headford Co-operative Mart in Galway introduced new safety measures to protect the health and safety of farmers, customers, sellers and buyers. A statement issued by Headford Co-operative stated that from the 14
th April onwards only mart staff who are certified drovers will be allowed in their mart yard.
Recent health and safety developments
Recent safety improvements at mart yards include the installation of overhead walkways above alleyways from where farmers view the livestock. This structural set-up allows farmers to examine cattle from a safe height. Farmers argue that these walkways prevent buyers from carrying out as thorough an inspection as they would at ground level.
In the absence of any alternative that complies with health and safety requirements, these walkways remain the best solution. Farmer/ buyer welfare has to be paramount. Mart operators must also note that overhead walkways should comply with Part 4 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 which deals with “Work at Height”.
If the issues in this article raise a health and safety concern for your employees or your workplace, please do contact one of our advisers who are available 24 hours a day at 0818 923 923
