The Farm Safety Partnership (FSP) is launching the second phase of its farm safety campaign, which now brings livestock handling into the spotlight.
Agricultural sector stakeholders will join the FSP in a social media campaign throughout today, Tuesday, April 2, in order to highlight and promote best practice when it comes to handling livestock carefully.
Those involved in the campaign will also share how they have made their own farms and work spaces safer in this regard.
The FSP itself consists of a number of sector stakeholders, including farmer membership organisations, auctioneers, training providers, farming press and machinery dealers.
The FSP is urging all farmers and farm workers to observe the following:
- Select, use and maintain well-designed handling facilities;
- Never enter an enclosure with a loose bull or when an unrestrained cow is with a calf;
- Remove aggressive animals from the herd;
- Separate livestock from the public wherever possible.
“The FSP is working towards a target of halving farm fatalities by the end of 2023, but to reach this target we need farmers on the ground to start taking action and making real changes,” said Stuart Roberts, vice-president of the National Farmers’ Union and chairman of the FSP.
He added: “A lot of it is common sense which can be easily overlooked when you’re busy or tired: taking extra precautions when a cow is with a calf; maintaining handling facilities so they are fully fit for purpose; and not simply selling on an aggressive animal to another farmer.
If we can take a second to identify where the risks are, we can actually take those risks away.
Meanwhile, Richard Findlay, livestock board chairman of the NFU, argued that “all livestock farmers must remember that cattle, no matter what type you have and how well you know them, can still be unpredictable”.
“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,” he added.
In order to follow the social media campaign, use the hashtag #FarmSafetyPartnership.
