Teagasc adviser Vincent Ronayne sets out winter farm safety priorities

Slurry gases, power take-off (PTO) shafts and icy yards top the seasonal hazard list issued by Vincent Ronayne, drystock adviser with Teagasc Claremorris, who has urged Irish farmers to put safety first through autumn and winter.

Ronayne said the coming months are "among the busiest and most demanding periods on Irish farms", combining livestock management, slurry handling, machinery maintenance, fencing and preparation for poor weather. He warned that wet and slippery conditions, reduced daylight and unpredictable weather can all increase the risk of serious accidents.

Why machinery heads the list

Machinery is one of the most important areas of farm safety during the colder months, according to the Teagasc adviser. Tractors, loaders, trailers and other agricultural equipment often work in difficult conditions, sometimes on steep or wet ground.

Before using machinery, farmers should carry out basic checks to ensure brakes, lights, tyres and safety guards are working correctly. Ronayne was explicit on competence: machinery should only be operated by people who are properly trained.

He also flagged the specific danger of power take-off shafts, the rotating drivelines that connect tractors to implements. "Guards must remain securely in place and machinery should always be switched off before attempting to clear blockages or carry out maintenance," he said.

What makes slurry handling dangerous now?

Slurry management is the second major seasonal hazard. Storage is underway from now, with spreading for some farmers only commencing in early spring, but the handling itself carries risk year-round because slurry gases can be extremely dangerous.

"Farmers should never enter slurry tanks and should never take unnecessary risks around agitation," Ronayne said. Agitation is the mixing of stored slurry, which releases gases such as hydrogen sulphide in concentrated bursts.

His guidance has three practical legs:

• Buildings should be well ventilated.
• Children and animals must be kept away from areas where slurry is being mixed or agitated.
• Anyone working with slurry should understand the dangers before work begins.

Ronayne also pointed to a technology option: electronic gas sensors are now available to give an early warning of dangerous gas levels.

How should livestock handling change in winter?

Cattle behaviour shifts in the colder months, and Ronayne said livestock handling requires particular attention. "Cattle can become unpredictable, particularly when stressed or when calves are present," he explained.

He recommended inspecting handling facilities regularly and keeping gates, crushes and pens in good working order. Farmers should avoid entering enclosed areas with livestock unless it is necessary and safe to do so.

What role does weather play?

Weather conditions create significant risks of their own. "Heavy rain can leave yards, roadways and fields extremely slippery, while frost and ice can make ordinary farm tasks hazardous," Ronayne said.

Frequently used walkways and working areas should be kept as clear and safe as possible. "Adequate outdoor lighting is particularly important as daylight hours become shorter," he added.

Visibility on public roads is a parallel concern. Farmers working near roads should ensure tractors and other vehicles carry clean, functioning lights and appropriate visibility markings.

Wellbeing and the pre-winter audit

Personal wellbeing should not be overlooked, Ronayne said. Long working hours, wintry conditions and pressure during busy periods contribute to tiredness and poor decision-making. His advice is to take regular breaks, dress appropriately for the weather and avoid working alone on particularly dangerous tasks.

Autumn, he argued, is the right moment for a wider review. "Autumn is also an ideal time to review the farm's overall safety arrangements," he said. Damaged buildings, gates, fencing, electrical equipment and machinery can be repaired before winter weather makes the work more difficult.

"Taking time now to identify potential hazards can prevent accidents later," he said.

Farm safety is not simply about following rules, the adviser added. "It is about creating a culture where everyone on the farm takes responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. Safe farming starts with taking the time to stop, think, and act safely."

For livestock farmers, the practical order of work is clear: complete the machinery and building checks before ground conditions deteriorate, and fit gas detection where slurry agitation is planned for the spring window.