The third episode of the Farm Safety Survivor Series brought to you by Agriland, in association with AXA and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), highlights the dangers associated with farm machinery.

In today’s podcast, Agriland news journalist Rubina Freiberg speaks to Aengus Mannion from Co. Sligo who was seriously injured in a farm accident involving machinery 15 years ago, and Teagasc farm machinery and milking machine specialist, Francis Quigley.

In 2009, Mannion was herding cattle on a farm in Co. Meath when a teleporter hit him from behind, ramming him into a tree. Having sustained serious leg injuries, the beef farmer underwent over 20 operations over a three-year period in hospital.

Click on the video below for a preview of Mannion’s story.

Mannion shares his full story of the farm accident and his recovery journey in the second Farm Safety Survivor Series podcast which is now live on the Agriland app, Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.

Teagasc’s Francis Quigley speaks about the risks when working with farm machinery, as well as precautions farmers should take when operating machinery, and issues safety advice when using all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)/quad bikes.

Farm machinery

Farm vehicles and machinery account for the highest proportion of farm deaths and injuries, making up almost half of all fatalities and incidents from 2012 to 2021, according to the DAFM.

Elderly farmers and children are at particular risk of machinery-related farm accidents, according to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

Being entangled in power take-offs (PTOs), crushed under a machine part, caught in a machine mechanism, crushed between vehicles and struck by a machine object are the main causes of deaths with farm machinery, the HSA said.

The DAFM advises the following safety measures when operating machinery:

  • Machinery operation: make sure that the operator of the machine receives appropriate training;
  • Maintenance and adjustments: ensure that all guards and safety equipment are in place and functioning properly;
    • Make sure that all machines are properly attached to the tractor/vehicle;
    • When attaching the machine, take the correct position to avoid getting crushed;
    • Always stop the tractor and the machine before attempting to carry out maintenance work or to free a blockage and make sure the machine is adequately supported before carrying out any work on it.
  • Fixed guards: fixed guards must be kept in place;
  • PTO guarding: When using PTO shafts, ensure that the rotating shaft is totally enclosed by the guards;
    • Make sure that the guards match the shaft both in length and size;
      • the machine-end o-guard, and the tractor-end U-guard, are in place;
      • the PTO shaft is greased regularly; and
      • the tractor tyres or drawbar pins do not damage the guard.
  • Lifting equipment: ensure that lifting equipment such as forklift truck, telehandler or tractor loader is regularly maintained to prevent incidents due to collapse.

The 2024 National Farm Safety Measure provides a financial contribution covering 60% of the eligible cost of PTO shaft covers. Farmers can still apply to avail of the measure until Friday, November 15.

When using tractors/vehicles, the DAFM advises farmers to:

  • Tractor maintenance: always ensure that the vehicle is in a safe working condition before use. If a tractor needs repair, do not use it until it has been fixed;
  • Hydraulic system: always examine hydraulic pipes before using hydraulic equipment;
    • Repair or replace damaged pipes or couplings before use.
  • Using vehicles on public roads: ensure that all mirrors, indicators, lights and wipers are clean and in working order;
  • The vehicle must comply with the requirements of the Road Traffic Act;
  • Vehicle parking: all vehicles vary in operating procedures. However, when parking, avoid parking on slopes, apply the handbrake, stop the engine and leave the fuel-control stop in the shut-off position, lower hydraulic equipment to the ground and remove the key;
  • Safety cabs: ensure the safety cab is kept in good condition and tidy at all times;
    • Objects on the floor could move and prevent pedals being operated, as well as being a hazard when accessing and exiting the cab.
  • Passengers: do not carry passengers unless there is a passenger seat for each one. Where available, seatbelts must be worn;
  • Overturning: always take great care to ensure that the vehicle does not overturn.
    • Assess the slope and ground conditions before doing machinery work on slopes;
    • If a tractor is about to overturn, do not attempt to jump clear. Stay in the cab and hold onto the steering wheel.
  • Trailer braking: ensure that both the tractor and trailer have effective, working brakes.

The use of ATVs/quad bikes is becoming more common on farms. However, there have been a significant number of fatalities involving quads and the potential for a serious injury or fatality when using a quad is high, the HSA said.

The DAFM said it is essential that you receive professional training before you use these vehicles. Users of ATVs/quad bikes must undergo mandatory training and wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The main causes of incidents using ATVs, according to the DAFM, are:

  • An inexperienced or untrained driver;
  • Carrying a passenger or an unbalanced load;
  • Tipping on a bank;
  • Driving on steep slopes;
  • Towing excessive loads with unbraked equipment.

When operating an ATV, the DAFM advises users to never carry a passenger, wear a helmet and PPE, and to regularly maintain the ATV.

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