6 FARM NEWS
APR/MAY 2020 • farmers-mart.co.uk
Farmers warned not to ‘cut corners’ as they
scramble to catch up after slurry delays
A farm insurance expert is warning against farmers ‘cutting
corners’ and taking dangerous and potentially fatal risks
in the scramble to catch up on the delayed slurry season.
MATT McWhirter, of Farmers
and Mercantile Insurance
Brokers (FMIB), is urging farmers
not to overlook the necessary
precautions needed in managing
slurry on farms.
“The start of this year saw
widespread flooding and
unprecedented rainfall, hamper-
ing farmers plans to start slurry
spreading,” he said.
“We are at the stage now
where stores are overflowing,
and farmers are understandably
desperate to get out into the
fields, but incidents involving
slurry are all too common on
farms and the potential risk to
life cannot, and should not, be
underestimated.
“Hydrogen sulphide – the
most dangerous gas emitted
from slurry – nullifies our sense
of smell, so anyone exposed will
not be able to detect danger.
It causes difficulty in breathing
and disorientation, which can
lead to collapse and death.
“When it comes to slurry mixing,
farmers need to ensure they do
not take unnecessary risks in
the interests of time and savings
and instead give the process the
extreme care, caution and respect
that it requires.”
Matt said that, before embark-
ing on any mixing, farmers
should plan the job, assess the
risks and decide on appropriate
precautions to work safely.
All staff should be trained and
a robust and comprehensive risk
assessment should be carried
out.
Fencing around the storage
facility should be checked and
suitable warning signs should be
in place.
All cattle should be moved out
of slatted sheds before mixing
and the building checked to
ensure no-one is present who
shouldn’t be. When the mixer
is running, no-one should
stand over mixing points and
other areas where gas may be
emitted, such as slats. Covers
should be in place over mixing
points and receptions pits.
It is vital that all children are
kept indoors, well away from
the building.
“Detectors for hydrogen sul-
phide are strongly advised and
always use specialist contractors
for the most dangerous aspects
of the jobs,” added Matt. “Most
importantly, remember that
no-one should work alone and
always follow advice from the
Health and Safety Executive.”
Matt also warned that the
wetter weather will contribute to
more mud on the roads, as the
fields are already sodden and soft
– adding another layer of risk.
“Leaving mud behind on the
road is not an innocuous act – it
can be a highly dangerous one,
as it can cause other road users
to lose control of their vehicles
and skid, which can lead to
serious or even fatal collisions,”
said Matt.
‘ It is an offence if mud creates a danger
or inconvenience to road users and all
efforts must be made to remove it ’
“It is an offence if mud creates
a danger or inconvenience to
road users and all efforts must be
made to remove it. Not only do
farmers face being prosecuted
under the Highways Act, but
they are also leaving themselves
open to claims of negligence, if
someone is injured. Furthermore,
they could be forced to pay
clean-up costs by the council.
“Farmers should take steps
to minimise mud deposits on
the road, and to have a robust
clean-up plan in place.
“Mud should be cleaned from
vehicles, as far as practicable,
before being driven onto the
road, paying particular attention
to the wheels, and tractors
should be driven at a low-speed
on roads, to prevent residual
mud from falling off.
“Try to keep road travel to a
minimum, stick to minor roads
where possible, and ensure
adequate and appropriate
signage is used and displayed
with maximum visibility to other
road users. Don’t let mud build
up and instead look to clean up
at regular intervals, as well as at
the end of the day.
“In some instances, farmers
feel they have fulfilled their duty
by putting up signs but this is
simply not sufficient.
“As we continue to feel the
effects of climate change, wetter
weather in slurry season could
become more common, so
being mindful and responsible
will be even more imperative.”
For information on Farmers &
Mercantile and its farm insurance
cover, visit fandmgroup.co.uk