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Prior research and outreach focus has been given to injuries and fatalities that occur in “confined space” manure storages. Such enclosed storage areas may be below animal quarters, or below-ground reception and pump-out pits.
Storage of cow manure is a common practice on dairy farms. Each additional installation of a manure pit increases the probability that a fatal accident will result.
Tragically, experiences in several states indicate that when an accident does occur, it is likely to involve two or three fatalities. Also, there have been several cases of large numbers of livestock perishing due to manure gases.
When baling and handling large round bales, you must recognize and understand potential hazards and follow the manufacturer’s operating recommendations for each piece of equipment you use.
An article published in the Journal of Agromedicine provides a summary of the frequency and characteristics of deaths related to on-farm manure storage and handling facilities for the period 1975 – 2004. Sources included published government reports, national and local media, online searches, published farm fatality reports and prior litigation.
