SAFEr Farmsafe Action Plan

Safer

INTRODUCTION

Making it SAFEr
Did you know the farming sector has a poor safety record. Sadly from 2014 to 2024, some 40 farmers have died and many more have been seriously injured in farm-related accidents - many of them preventable.

New campaign for older farmers - visit https://hseni.gov.uk/farm-longer

This is your opportunity to review the way you work and make that step towards safer farm practices. It is aimed at protecting yourself, others who live on, work on, or visit the farm from accidents relating to the key risk areas of Slurry Animals Falls and Equipment (SAFE)

It is recommended that your refer to the Farm Safety Partnership website for more resources. Farm Safety Partnership

Please note that you should not hit the back button on your browser or close it until finished or you will have to restart creating your action plan. Your progress will be lost.

The exercise will take 10-15 minutes

If you intend to save your Making it Safer certificate to use as part of a Farm Business Improvement Scheme - Capital application, you should complete this risk assessment on a computer and not a mobile device

Start Creating Your Making It Safer Risk Assessment

Animals

Did you know 1 in 5 incidents involved working with animals? (If you do not have large livestock move to the next section (click))

the lawTypes of Livestock present on farm

Bulls

Other Cattle

Pigs

Sheep

Horses

Other

Making it SAFErDid you know the farming sector has a poor safety record. Sadly from 2014 to 2024, some 40 farmers have died and many more have been seriously injured in farm-related accidents - many of them preventable.

the lawTypes of Livestock present on farm

More InfoAre pens, crush(s) and other handling facilities are in place and allow safe animal handling?

More InfoCan gates on crushes and handling areas be securely closed?

More InfoAre people handling livestock, especially a bull, competent and fit?

More InfoAre signs warning of the presence of bulls displayed to warn members of the public?

Are aggressive animals culled?

More InfoIs a vehicle used when herding if a bull is running with the cows?

Is fencing (Field Boundaries) adequate and appropriate for the stock?

More InfoAre your facilities for loading and unloading of animals adequate?

More InfoDo you have a calving gate or other appropriate facility available for calving cows?

More InfoDo you have a pen which prevents direct contact with the bull is provided when the bull is housed?

More InfoAre bulls ringed and when outdoors the bull has a chain attached to the ring?

More InfoAre all visible defects to livestock facilities identified?

More Infothe lawTypes of Equipment present on farm

Are PTO guards and other safety devices present on all tractors, machinery and fixed equipment?

More InfoIs a 'Safe Stop' procedure is practiced before attempting to free any machine blockage

More Infothe lawAre all Vehicles and Machinery controls, brakes, lights, lighting of working areas, hydraulic hoses etc in good operating condition?

Do you ensure that children under the age of 13 are not permitted to drive or ride on tractors and Machinery?

Do you ensure adult passengers are not carried on tractors and machines unless they are designed to accommodate them?

When loading and unloading equipment, livestock and materials do you plan and adopt a safe system of work?

Do you ensure loads are not transported until they are stable and well secured?

Is routine maintenance carried out and all machinery defects are identified and listed?

Are all Machinery and Vehicles operated correctly and safely by competent operators?

Is correct Personal Protective Equipment and first aid facilities available and used as required?

Is correct Personal Protective Equipment and first aid facilities available and used as required?

Are all precautions taken for chemicals used and produced on farm?

the lawFarmyard and Buildings that are in place

Is a safe means of access to Heights used (stairs, work platform)?

Is roof work only undertaken with a proper roof ladder / crawling boards?

Are farmyard and other surfaces are tidy and in good repair?

Are farm buildings tidy and in good repair?

Are safety rails or nets in place where there is the possibility of a fall from height?

Farm Buildings and Storage Facilities

Are open slurry lagoons/water tanks/sheep dips covered or fenced to a minimum height of 1.4m and secured to prevent access?

Is slurry agitation in buildings only undertaken when conditions are suitable (breezy), where there is adequate ventilation and when livestock have been evacuated?

When slurry agitation commences, are people evacuated from the building and do not return for at least 30 minutes?

During slurry agitation , are open access points are guarded?

Are Safety gang slats (or equivalent) used on all slatted slurry tanks where appropriate?

Are Manhole covers replaced directly after slurry operations are completed?

If concerned about your physical health, do you seek help from a medical practitioner?

If concerned about your mental wellbeing, do you seek help from friends, family, support agencies or medical practitioners?

Have younger farmers and inexperienced farmers been trained in all farm operations, are aware of risks on farm and have access to the necessary safety and first aid facilities?

Are children kept safe at all times and are aware and reminded of the do's and don't's as part of a working farm life?

Are measures are in place to safeguard older farmers particularly when working on their own?

Are immediate tasks ahead planned ahead taking account of potential risks, time constraints, weather and your general well being?

Do you plan your workload to include time for rest, family, and non-farm activities to maintain a healthy work / life balance?

Animals

Equipment

Falls

Slurry

People

Making it SAFEr
Did you know the farming sector has a poor safety record. Sadly from 2014 to 2024, some 40 farmers have died and many more have been seriously injured in farm-related accidents - many of them preventable.