Incidents involving livestock the second biggest cause of farm fatalities

NFU farm safety and transport policy adviser Tom Price said 65 per cent of fatal incident victims in livestock incidents in 2018 were over the age of 65 years, with four victims 80 or older.

He said: “Good handling, safe practices and the effective management of aggressive animals will help reduce the risk for everyone but are even more important for older persons.

“This is because no matter how fit a person is, it is inevitable that with age comes a reduction in agility, responsiveness and resilience.

Escape route

“It may be hard to accept after a lifetime in farming but farmers must think very seriously, at any age, as to whether they still have the skills and physical ability to handle cattle safely and keep themselves free from harm.”

The FSP is urging farmers to use well designed handling facilities, and keep them maintained; to be cautious when entering a cattle enclosure and always have an escape route; to remove aggressive animals from the herd; and to separate livestock from the public.

Mr Price said: “Many fatal incidents occurred in situations which could have been avoided if suitable handling facilities were available and used, lone working was avoided and an escape route was available.”

NFU livestock board chairman Richard Findlay added: “We must show ourselves the same duty of care that we show our animals, and ensure that we have the right facilities and processes in place to minimise any dangers when handling them.

“Be vigilant, be aware, and stay safe.”

For more, go to #FarmSafetyPartnership.