18/02/2026
Stopping the Drop - Falls & Collapses
A fall or a collapse doesn’t give you a second chance. On a busy farm, "being careful" isn't a safety plan, solid barriers and stable structures are.
1. Working at Height? Stay Grounded.
- Close the Gap: If there is a drop, there must be a rail. Don’t rely on luck; install permanent handrails or safety barriers at every opening.
- The "No-Walk" Zone: Never step directly on old cladding or asbestos sheets. If you’re on a roof, use crawling boards. One fragile sheet is all it takes.
- Openings: A warning sign won’t catch a falling person. Ensure all floor openings are physically blocked or securely covered.
2. Structural Stability
- Secure the Perimeter: Slurry and water tanks are high-risk zones. They must be fenced to a minimum height of 1.8 metres.
- The Art of the Stack: Bales and feed aren't just piles, they're heavy weights. Stack on level ground and inspect daily for shifting or "leaning towers."
- Check the Walls: Retaining walls and silage pits should be checked for cracks or erosion. If the ground looks soft or the wall looks bowed, stay clear.
3. Control the Yard
Gate Safety: A heavy gate off its hinges or a sheeted gate caught in a gale is a crushing hazard. Secure your swinging doors and maintain your hinges.
The Cattle Grid Rule: Grids are for livestock, not people. Always provide a clear, gated side-path for pedestrians to avoid unnecessary trips.
