Ensuring the safety of Welsh farmers and their families is a priority for the FUW. With daily use of machinery and equipment farming carries risks, FUW knows that farming has unique health and safety challenges and we work to raise awareness and reduce the risk of harm to workers in our industry. Often the seriousness of the risks and dangers in farming are underestimated and not recognised. Whilst other sectors that carry similar risks have made huge improvements farming has ground to make up. 

There are several areas that carry risk that are worth spending time considering:

Operators should only use tractors and ATVs that they are trained in and competent to use safely. Moving farm vehicles are the cause of a large number of farm related fatalities and serious injuries. When working with transport users should always carry out a ‘Safe Stop’. 

• Handbrake on

• Controls in neutral

• Engine off

• Keys out

As well as following ‘Safe Stop’ procedure there are many ways to remain safe around machinery. 

• Only use machinery you have been trained to do so 

• Always operate controls from the driving position 

• Make sure you understand the controls before you operate the tractor 

• Before attempting any maintenance work on a machine – whether in the workshop or in the field - make sure it is safe to work on by following Safe Stop

• Always check guards and in good working condition and are in place

• DO NOT use machinery that is defective or has missing guards

• Ensure the PTO drive shaft is fully protected by properly designed guards and secured by chain to prevent the guard rotating. 

• Make sure equipment is regularly maintained and fit for purpose 

Death and life changing injuries can occur with just a momentary slip in concentration. 

To reduce risks associated with working at height: 

• Try to avoid or minimise working at height where you can 

• Use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls where you cannot avoid working at height 

• Never work on or walk over fragile roofs unless platforms, covers or similar protection are provided to adequately support your weight 

• Consider engaging a specialist roofing contractor 

• Ensure open edges of floors or platforms are protected with suitable guard rails

Serious injuries and death whilst handling livestock can occur by crushing, kicking, butting or gorging. 

Reduce the risk of injury by: 

• Using purpose built handling facilities that are in good working order

• Use a race and crush suitable for the animals being worked with 

• Ensure workers are well trained and competent 

• Consider a rigorous culling policy concerning temperamental animals

• Avoid working alone with cattle 

• Never underestimate the protective instincts of a newly calved cow

You can access information on managing your farm safely via checklists, safety guides and infographics through the resources below. 

Keeping children and the public safe on farms 

Health and Safety in agriculture 

Working at height and preventing falls