Farm safety highlighted following two accidents involving livestock

Statistics show that around 6 people are killed every year due to livestock related injuries
Statistics show that around 6 people are killed every year due to livestock related injuries

Two separate incidents involving livestock within days of each other has highlighted the safety precautions farmers should take when tending to animals.

Perthshire farmer Murray Alexander was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries on Sunday (31 March) after he was injured by a cow.

Mr Alexander, who is also the managing director of construction company Algo, was hurt while tending animals at his farm near Murthly.

A company spokesperson said: “The managing director of Algo, Murray Alexander, was involved in an accident with an animal on the farm on Sunday night.

“He was airlifted to Ninewells where he was treated for serious, but not life threatening, injuries.”

Meanwhile, emergency services were called to a farm in Bletchingly, Surrey, last week, after a farmer was injured by a cow she had been helping to give birth to a calf.

The woman, who has not been named, was airlifted to hospital after suffering serious injuries during the incident.

According to Metro, one nearby resident said: “Apparently the cow was not happy that she went into the pen after the birth of her calf and it knocked her over before trampling on her.”

Statistics show that around 6 people are killed every year due to livestock related injuries, with cattle being the primary culprit.

To reduce the risk of injury when handling cattle, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) urge farmers to have:

• Proper handling facilities, which you keep in good working order;

• A race and a crush suitable for the animals you handle;

• Trained and competent workers; and

• A rigorous culling policy for temperamental animals

Farmers can view more information on proper livestock handling techniques from HSE's online guidance.