Lambing is the busiest time of the sheep farmers’ year. Longer than normal working hours combined with a vastly increased workload can lead to health and safety short-cuts. We look at some of the top safety tips to keep in mind, so you can ensure that your safety and the safety of others on the farm is kept at the forefront of everyone’s mind.
Facilities
Whether you are lambing indoors or outdoors, it is essential to have the right facilities in place. This has a dual benefit. Not only does it make the whole process easier on the farmer, it also allows for the safe handling of the pregnant ewe. As the average pregnant ewe weighs between 60kg- 90kg, lifting and moving can be difficult, so use your legs and not your back. Always remain vigilant when handling livestock.
If lambing indoors, it is critical to have sufficient lighting to ensure that all work areas are illuminated so you don’t fall victim to a trip or fall. Long hours can mean that some work has to be completed in the dark, therefore remain aware of your surroundings. It is also important to be aware that a lack of sleep can reduce your awareness to potential hazards.
Use of ATVs
ATVs/ quad bikes remain as popular as ever for getting around the farm, especially at lambing time. To help reduce the risks when using an ATV:
- Always wear suitable head protection;
- Don’t overload racks;
- Check tyre pressures regularly;
- Secure loads on racks and make sure they are not over-loaded and are evenly balanced;
- Always read and follow the owners’ manual;
- Stick to planned routes, where possible;
- Take extra care with trailed or mounted equipment and understand how they affect stability;
- Make sure all riders receive adequate training.
Risks to pregnant women
Pregnant women who come into close contact with sheep during lambing or other farm animals that are giving birth may risk their own health, and that of their unborn child, from infections that animals can carry.
Although the number of human pregnancies affected by contact with an infected animal is extremely small, it is important that pregnant women are aware of the potential risks and take appropriate precautions. These risks are not only associated with sheep, nor confined only to the spring (when the majority of lambs are born). Cattle and goats that have recently given birth can also carry similar infections.
To avoid the possible risk of infection, pregnant women should not:
- Help ewes to lamb;
- Provide assistance with a cow that is calving, or a nanny goat that is kidding;
- Come into contact with aborted or new-born lambs, calves or kids or with the afterbirth, birthing fluids or materials (e.g. bedding) contaminated by such birth products;
- Handle (including washing) clothing, boots or any materials that may have come into contact with animals that have recently given birth, their young or afterbirths.
Potentially contaminated clothing will be safe to handle after being washed on a hot cycle. Ensure contacts or partners who have attended lambing ewes or other animals giving birth take appropriate health and hygiene precautions. This includes the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing, and adequate washing to remove any potential contamination.
Pregnant women should seek medical advice if they experience fever or influenza-like symptoms, or if they are concerned that they could have acquired an infection from a farm environment. Farmers and livestock keepers have a responsibility to minimise the risks to pregnant women, including members of their family, the public and professional staff visiting farms.
Find out more at:
https://www.fbd.ie/protection-stories/farm/farm-safety-at-lambing
Wellness Tips
Lambing and calving are busy times for farmers, with sleep often in short supply and not enough hours in the day to ensure that you take care of yourself. However, planning in the run-up to these events can help to ensure your body is geared to deal with the extra demand. Here are some wellness tips from expert Emma Grunnill (Grunnill Fitness), performance nutritionist Paul Johnson, and some FW readers online, on how to improve mental and physical resilience.
1. Drink enough water
Water to humans is like fuel to a car. It is hugely underestimated, but can massively help with energy levels, focus and cognitive ability. Ideally, farmers should be drinking at least two to three litres of pure water a day. Cups of coffee and tea don’t count as they are caffeinated and act as a diuretic, stimulating urination and potentially leading to dehydration. Although there’s nothing wrong with having a cuppa, drinking water is better for boosting energy levels.
2. Prepare food
In the run-up to busy periods such as lambing, calving and silaging (where routines are often out of sync and sleep is in short supply), batch cooking meals and freezing them will help ensure a hearty meal is available when it is needed. This can help maintain energy levels and ensure staff remain healthy.
3. Stock up on adequate snacks
Brew time wouldn’t be complete without a biscuit or some cake. However, consuming too much sugar can cause energy levels to dip. It is important to try to get a balance between sweet snacks and non-sugar/lower sugar snacks such as nuts and granola bars.
4. Start the day right
A hot and sustaining breakfast will help set you up for the day ahead; maintaining energy levels and reducing the need to snack. Porridge topped with banana will slowly release its energy, as well as providing an instant sugar hit that some may require.
5. Try to establish a sleep routine
No matter what time of day you finally get to bed, establishing a sleep routine can help ensure a more restful sleep. For example, a hot shower, or changing into clean clothes can help signal to the body it is time to rest.
6. Drink green tea
Green tea can encourage restful sleep. Although it is a natural source of caffeine, it also contains a substance called L-Theanine, which has a calming effect on the body and encourages relaxation while also cancelling out the stimulating effects of caffeine. Avoid caffeine or other stimulants late in the day as that can disturb sleep, causing a “fight or flight” response and making us more alert.
7. Make a list
Many people make mental lists of things to do, but this sort of brain stimulation can disrupt sleep patterns. Physically writing things down before going to bed can help clear the head and ensure a more restful sleep.
8. Have a good rota
Be organised and have a rota so everyone knows who is doing what. Maintaining good communication using apps such as WhatsApp, or old-school handover notes will help ensure sleep is undisturbed and things are not missed.
9. Minimise birthing difficulties
Breeding from animals that are known to calve or lamb easily can help remove some pressure. In addition, feeding adequate nutrition in the run-up to calving and lambing and during the breeding period will help reduce birthing problems, making the whole process easier for all.
10. Make use of technology
The advent of calving/lambing cameras has minimised the need to physically check animals as often, allowing farmers to attend births only when necessary. They also mean fewer disturbances for stock at a stressful time. However, it is important to regularly check cameras are working.
11. Prepare
Being prepared and making sure you have all the tools you need for the job will make life easier. Also make sure the shed is set up well to ease handling and stockman duties.
Find out more at:
