1 Slurry
Lagoons that are poorly fenced or not fenced at all, raise the likelihood of someone falling into them and drowning (or doing so attempting to rescue an animal that’s fallen in because of the inadequate fencing). Surrounding them with wire-mesh sheep fencing and two strands of barbed wire is recommended, to meet a minimum height of 1.3m. If you can’t complete fencing of the whole lagoon immediately, remember that some fencing is better than no fencing. Consider using an electric fence as a barrier until you can do it properly.
Slurry gas is also a big danger. It’s a heavy gas that sits low to the ground, is fairly odourless and is incredibly toxic. Two breaths can kill you, so whether you have an underground tank, a floor-mounted tower, or a pit, always take the proper precautions. Make sure everybody is aware when and where you’re going to be agitating/spreading slurry too, and only allow properly trained staff to get involved. You could invest in a measuring meter – a small, badge-like device to wear or strap to your belt.
2 Formalin
Formaldehyde-based foot-bath treatments are corrosive and highly toxic. Personal protective equipment (PPE) – including goggles and gloves – must be worn whenever you’re handling it and always follow the instructions (they’re clearly specified on the container).
3 Chemical storage and use
Many dairy farmers have a general chemical store for arable/maize products so this has to be secure and suitable – a converted shipping container will do the job.
When you’re busy, it can be tempting to simply read a product’s instructions for use, rather than for how to handle it. Don’t just look at the dilution rate without reading further down the label. If you’re using a new chemical, set aside a few minutes to study the label. It’s important to read the ‘materials safety data sheet’ – there’s one of these for every chemical, giving information about what to do if there is an accident, first aid emergency or spillage. Print it off and keep it handy. If you haven’t got a copy, they’re available on the internet.
Make sure you’re also on top of general housekeeping too. Is everything in your store up-to-date? Is it going to be used? If not, it needs to be disposed of correctly and safely.
And remember, other dairy-related products such as hypochlorite teat dips might be less fierce than formalin, but can still be harmful so should be treated with care.
4 Cattle handling
Every dairy farmer knows that cows can be highly strung, especially just after they’ve given birth. Cows are creatures of habit, so try to maintain their routines – it’s when you put them in new situations or under stress that they’re most likely to become flighty and react.
Make sure the people who are handling the animals are calm and don’t respond in an aggressive manner if there’s a problem.
TB testing is a time when ‘stock are taken out of their daily routine. It’s a fast-paced, high-pressure and tense situation for all involved, so take extra care.
Handling systems should be up-to-date, regularly checked and well maintained. Milking cows are accustomed to moving through pens and races because they do it so often, but when you’re introducing new heifers, think about the process. It can be sensible, for example, to put them through the parlour in the middle of some older, wiser cows.
It’s also important to be aware of each cow’s individual nature. A cull policy might well be the best option for any that display aggressive tendencies.
5 Loaders and tractors
Make sure you’re fully up to speed with your LOLER testing, as well as training on the telehandler (and obviously that anyone else who’ll be involved with machinery has the necessary qualifications and training).
Safety often boils down to traffic management in the yard and making sure people are aware of what everyone else is doing. High-vis clothing is a cheap and effective way of making sure it’s obvious where you are.
6 Other machinery
PTO-driven kit such as tub feeders, slurry mixers and augers must have all the right guards and be fit for purpose. Big machinery, like tractors and loaders, needs a thorough overhaul at least annually, but for smaller items, it’s recommended you make a visual inspection before every use.
7 Anticipate and prepare
First-aid kits are a good idea to have in all vehicles, so help is at your fingertips if you do need it.
They should contain a small laminated list of emergency contacts both for the farm and wider emergency services.
If you get out of a vehicle to work around or under it, take the keys out of the ignition, put it in neutral and make sure the handbrake is on. Having another laminated sheet to put on the dashboard or seat telling anyone who jumps in that you’re working under or around a tractor might just save a life, too.
8 Attitude
The pattern of accidents doesn’t relate to the type, size or profitability of a farm. It’s all to do with individual attitudes. The good news is that this is improving. The bad news is that it’s happening very slowly. Remember: even if you can’t totally eliminate a risk, it’s worth putting measures in place that reduce that risk.
9 Human hygiene
On any dairy farm, there’s a risk of bugs like E. coli or campylobacter, so think about cleanliness before you eat, drink or smoke. Have hot running water, soap and towels available for after work and before breaks.
10 Know-how
Perhaps the single most important item – and one that relates to all the above points – is ensuring that everybody on the farm has had the necessary training and has had proper instructions. And if somebody is heading off to work on their own, its good practice to know where they are and when they’re expected back. If they don’t return at that time, check up on them. Most people have a mobile phone these days, so if they don’t answer, go and check they’re OK.
