1. Stay on top of maintenance
Make a list of repairs and get them done as soon as possible. Updating or starting a new farm safety risk assessment can be helpful. All too often we put simple repairs on the long finger, only to regret not having completed them sooner when the issue becomes more complex, more expensive, and more dangerous.
Before there’s any frost or snow, clean and salt the areas around your farmyard that are used most often. Make sure you have all the supplies you need, like fuel, animal feed, grit, and sand, so you’re not stuck when bad weather comes.
2. Make a plan for Livestock
Plan how you’ll get food and water to your livestock in the event of a storm, frost, or a heavy snowfall. Focus part of your plan on keeping your farm in operation and your animals safe if there’s flooding.
Make sure your livestock have adequate shelter, especially from the cold winter winds. Make sure dairy buildings are kept clean in case sudden weather forces you to take the cows indoors full-time.
3. Power up – Lighting and Electrics
Now is a good time to have your farm examined, making sure all plugs are correctly wired and your cables are solid. Check that all regular walkways are well-lit and replace any blown bulbs. If there are any electrical repairs needed, make sure they’re carried out by a registered electrician.
Make sure you have a back-up power source that’s working, such as a diesel generator.
4. Be safe, be seen, be protected
Wearing and using personal protection equipment in the correct way can help reduce injuries and exposure to bad weather and chemicals. Whenever you head outside, make sure your clothing is weather appropriate and you’re visible – particularly when working near machinery. Always wear fluorescent, high-vis garments, making sure to avoid loose clothing or jackets when using farm machinery. Always let someone know you’re heading out and when you plan to be back and arm yourself with a torch and a fully charged mobile phone.
5. Protect your machinery
Take steps to protect important machinery, keeping it indoors when possible. Check that all mirrors, lights, and indicators are working. Make sure the handbrake is working, to avoid accidents caused by poor braking, and that your anti-freeze is topped-up. Adding a ‘kill switch’ to tractors and other machines will help reduce in instances of fires.
6. Remember fire safety
As the cold weather sets in and you move some of your vehicles indoors, make sure they’re parked safely away from any combustible materials at the end of each day. Make sure straw and hay aren’t in contact with electrical components or lighting, to prevent ignition. Move any flammable materials away from livestock buildings and houses.
7. Education is key to keep children safe
You may have children living on the farm or have younger ones coming to visit this Christmas. Talk to the children and take a walk around the farm, pointing out dangers. Ensure they have the correct clothing and remind them that Farm machines aren’t toys.
8. Slow and steady wins the race
This one may sound obvious but adopting a mindful attitude – especially where heavy machinery is involved – will ensure tasks are completed in a methodical manner that avoids mistakes associated with rushing and carelessness.
9. Protect what matters with Farm Insurance
Winter presents a few more challenges for everyone. By following these tips to get you through the cold, wet weather, hopefully you’ll have a safe and happy winter.
Should the unexpected happen this winter or over the holidays, are you prepared? We know that looking ahead pays.
Experience the peace of mind that comes with AXA Farm Insurance and Tractor Insurance. If you have any questions about your existing policy, you can call our team on 090 643 5070 or request a call back at a time that suits you.
