UK dairy farmers using a new cup-removal system in their rotary milking sheds are being warned to check for potentially fatal trapping points. The announcement follows the death of a Riversdale farmer.
The tragedy happened after the farmer became entangled in the rotary platform and a stationary rail during morning milking. He sustained serious head injuries and died instantly.
The specific area of concern involved an automatic cup-removal bar-anti backing bar on the rotary platform and a stationary rump-rail support frame. This type of cup-removal system was relatively new in the dairy industry. It was unknown how many were in use.
The Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has launched an investigation. Every regional regional office has been alerted to the potential hazards of the cup-removal system used at the farmer's rotary milking shed.
The organisation said that it was unknown how many other milking sheds had similar systems put in by different manufacturers. Farmers have been urged to check their systems and contact the manufacturers if they are concerned.
IOSH is Europe's leading body for health and safety professionals, representing 26,000 members in over 50 countries. The organisation regulates and attempts to maintain high safety standards and provides guidance on health and safety issues.