A farming union is trying to make the public understand that it is not only deaths caused by livestock which devastate farm businesses, but also injuries.
While it is farm deaths that attract headlines, Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) president Barclay Bell warned that injuries are also serious and can have a devastating impact on farm businesses.
He said these are common place, particularly when dealing with livestock, with the gap between injury and death uncomfortably narrow.
“As farmers we are all well used to bumps and cuts,” Mr Bell said, “but when those become more serious, for example broken bones or life-changing injuries, they can have a serious impact on a farm business.
“They limit the ability of a farmer to work, and that automatically puts a strain on the business and on other family members who may have to look after the farm and care for the farmer.”
Farmers and agricultural workers are also being urged to take care when working close to power lines and other electrical equipment as one of the farming calendar’s busiest times of the year gets underway.
17 people killed
But over the past ten years, 17 people have been killed and many more seriously injured in accidents involving livestock.
Agricultural related fatalities accounts for the largest share of the UK's annual fatality count, according to new figures.
This has prompted the Farm Safety Partnership to issue a reminder of the risks and how to minimise them.
“The dangers from bulls are obvious and well known, but there have been many accidents involving recently calved cows and heifers,” Mr Bell continued.
“These are large and sometimes aggressive animals, and farmers need to be aware of the risks familiarity can bring, which often leads to complacency towards these dangers.
“As with all farm safety advice, the best approach remains to stop and think safe, even with everyday tasks.
“Those few minutes could save your life, or help avoid a serious injury that could threaten the future of your farm, and your involvement with the practicalities of running the business.”
