HSE issues advice on protecting walkers this Easter
© Tim Scrivener As the Easter break fast approaches, walkers are expected to head to the countryside in their thousands, prompting the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to issue a reminder of the dangers of walking through fields containing cattle.
On average, between one and two walkers are killed by cattle each year, usually in fields where there are cows with calves at foot, bulls, or where the walker is accompanied by a dog.
The legal responsibility to manage herds and reduce the risk to the public lies with the farmer, and seasonal holidays routinely see an influx of visitors exploring their local countryside.
HSE inspector Wayne Owen said: “All large animals can be a risk to people. Even a gentle knock from a cow can result in people being crushed or falling. All cattle should be treated with respect.”
See also: Farmer fined £3,500 after cow with calf tramples dog walker
One recent incident saw a farmer fined £3,500 after a cow with calf trampled a walker who had been crossing the field with his wife and dog, causing serious injury.
Mr Owen said: “Farmers should carefully consider the risk before putting cattle into fields with footpaths.
“Even docile cattle, when under stress, perhaps because of the weather, illness, unusual disturbance, or when maternal or other instincts are aroused, can become aggressive.”
Health and Safety Executive advice
The HSE has issued the following advice to farmers:
- Don’t keep dairy bulls in fields with public access at any time.
- Try to avoid putting cattle, especially cows with calves, in fields with public access.
- Consider using temporary fencing to keep animals and the public separate.
- Assess the temperament of any cattle before putting them into a field with public access.
- Position feed and water troughs away from public access routes and away from public entrances and exists to the field.
- Systematically monitor any cattle in fields with public access on an at least daily basis. It may be worth recording this.
- Consider culling any animal that shows signs of aggression.
- Any animal that has shown any sign of aggression must not be kept in a field with public access.
- Clearly signpost all public access routes across the farm. Display signage at all entrances to the field stating what is in the field (cows with calves / bulls).