Mat Beale( Chippenham)

Earlier in February a farmer was sentenced for safety breaches after a member of public was fatally trampled by cattle in a field with a footpath in it.

A HSE investigation had found the man was using a footpath, walking his dogs with his wife. It was found that the cattle had calves at foot.

So, do you know your responsibilities? Firstly, it is illegal to graze dairy bulls (Ayrshire, Friesian, Holstein, Dairy Shorthorn, Guernsey, Jersey and Kerry) in fields with public access. You must also assess the temperament of any bull being put in a field with footpaths. They must also be accompanied by cows or heifers.

Other precautions that can be taken are simple steps such as fencing the footpath if practical, so the livestock do not have access. Offer an alternative route so the public do not have to enter the field, but the public would still have the right to use the actual footpath.

Signs are also an important part of offering warnings. As well as footpaths being clearly marked, you should consider placing extra warning signs on access points to fields, displaying the fact that livestock are in the field. These signs should conform with standards, using pictures and if required supplementary text to aid any warnings.

A suitable risk assessment should take place to make sure you conform with legislation and don’t risk the lives of any persons on your farm, be that public, employees, or yourselves. The farmer who was prosecuted ended up with a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, fined £878 and had to pay costs of over £7800.

Taking your responsibilities seriously will not only be a saving to your business, but it could potentially save a life.

Contact Mat at matbeale@fcgagric.com to discuss your health and safety issues.