ALERT: Farmers hit with urgent 'safety' warning amid Arctic cold snap and snow forecast

Met Eireann has issued orange and yellow warnings as "multi-hazardous" severe cold snap set to hit the country.

The Minister for Agriculture and the Minister of State with special responsibility for Farm Safety has urged farmers to prioritise their safety during the current cold spell of weather.

The Minister of State, Martin Heydon, said: “Farmers must always prioritise safety. Every year, there are many serious and fatal incidents on Irish farms. While farming is a high-risk occupation, the risks can be managed to minimise these incidents. So, I urge all farmers to assess the risks as they go about their work. It is only by identifying the risks in advance that steps can be taken to ensure jobs can be completed safely. The mobile phone is an essential safety tool and farmers should always keep it with them, particularly when working away from the farmyard."

Trips and falls are common incidents during freezing conditions but can be minimised and ideally avoided, by keeping yards tidy and maintaining taps, pipes and drainpipes to avoid icy patches as a result of drips. Salt for gritting will help minimise slippery conditions around the farmyard, according to a press release. 

"Farmers should avoid working at height during frosty weather. Roof repairs should only be carried out when weather conditions are suitable and using the appropriate equipment," Minister Heydon added.

READ NEXT: LIVE: Track the snow as it heads towards Ireland amid severe weather warnings

Minister for farming, Charlie McConalogue, has said: "I am urging all farmers, fishers and everyone in rural areas to be extra careful during the current cold spell of weather. While farmers always make every effort to look after livestock during poor weather, they must prioritise their own safety and the safety of those working and living in rural communities.” 

"Livestock are resilient during cold weather once they have access to adequate feed and shelter. It is important that farmers have measures in place to ensure outwintered and housed livestock have access to fresh water during freezing conditions. Supplies of drinking water should be checked daily, and surface ice broken on troughs twice per day," Minister McConalogue added.

"It is important that taps are not left running to prevent freezing. Where needed, farmers should check that reserve storage tanks are full of fresh water. Herding out-wintered livestock should be carried out during daylight hours," he added.

The Minister for Agriculture added, "by planning ahead, the workload can be managed to minimise stress and the risks to safety. It is important that farmers ensure that they have adequate stocks of feed and supplies to avoid any shortages during poor conditions.” 

Check out these essential winter farm safety tips to keep you, your workers and your equipment safe!

️ Create a winter preparedness plan.
️ Monitor weather conditions.
Gear up with the correct clothing.
Store and inspect unused equipment.https://t.co/o681KQKbw2 pic.twitter.com/Iqi1ODrZm3

— Elec Co-ops of Ark (@ElecCoopsArk) January 2, 2025

"Everyone in rural communities is urged to check on elderly neighbours and those living alone. Christmas and the New Year can be particularly lonely for some people, and it is important to keep in regular contact with neighbours over the winter," Minister Heydon said.

For animal welfare issues connected with severe weather, please keep in touch with your agricultural advisor or contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Animal Welfare Helpline on phone: 01 607 2379

Learn more on how to stay safe at: www.gov.ie/WinterReady.