Safe Handling of Livestock
Over the last 10 years 15% of all fatal accidents in Agriculture have involved livestock. Teagasc research indicates that 65%of all farm injuries are livestock related. Many of these accidents involve cattle (bulls, cows and bullocks) and occur when animals are being herded in fields or handled by farmers in farmyards or farm buildings. The increase in livestock related accidents and deaths are attributable to inadequate handling facilities on farms, poor set up or taking risks when dealing with livestock, less contact between farmer and livestock and inadequate attention given to breeding animals for docility.
Prevention will be achieved by focusing on the handling facilities on the farm, the type of livestock and on the behaviour of the person working with the livestock.
Causes of Livestock related Fatal Accidents (2000-2010)
View the following publications and videos relating to safety in handling livestock:
Guidance on the Safe Handling of Cattle on Farms
Guidance on the Safe Handling of Cattle on Farms (Videos)
Safe Handling of Cattle on Farms Information Sheet
Cattle Handling in Marts and Lairages Information Sheet
Guidance on Marts and Lairages
