Protect lives – and livelihoods – from bale dangers

Accessing hay and straw bales is a daily necessity for most farmers and, as with many everyday tasks, it is sometimes done without a second thought.

However, it is essential to remain vigilant to associated risks – risks that could affect lives and livelihoods.

The Health and Safety Executive’s latest Fatal injuries in agriculture, forestry and fishing report, revealed that 20 per cent of all agricultural deaths in 2021/22 were due to people being struck by an object, with hay bales being a leading cause.

With bales weighing up to 1,600kg, stacks can present a significant danger should they topple.

In addition to the risk of fatal accidents, failure to observe stipulated stack and distance limits can invalidate insurance cover.

If limits are contravened, such as being too high or stored too close together, farmers face significant shortfalls in the event of loss.

It is essential to find out if there is a haystack limit, defined by value rather than volume. Often, there are distance limits written into policies too, which is usually 20 metres, but this can vary.

The best way to comply with the terms of a policy is to split stacks and keep them in different locations, but checking the policy wording should be the first port of call.

Ensure, too, that valuations of buildings and bales are accurate. Failure to do so could affect claims should losses occur.

Fire is an ever-present threat, but at this time of year, when bales are likely to be drier, the risk is heightened.

An abundance of combustible materials, threat of arson, risk of electrical faults in buildings and overheating in machinery mean checks and preventative steps should be taken.

To mitigate the risk of spontaneous fires, ensure there are no naked bulbs or misplaced glass or mirrors near to haystacks, install accessible on-site fire extinguishers and water bowsers.

Risk management is an often-overlooked aspect of farming but taking the necessary precautions can help prevent accidents and financial losses.