In today's podcast, Agriland news journalist Rubina Freiberg speaks to beef farmer Mick O'Dea from Co. Laois who was seriously injured in a bull attack in 2019, and Teagasc health and safety specialist, John McNamara.

In September 2019, O'Dea was loading cattle when a bull followed him into the lorry and struck him three times, knocking him down onto the floor of the lorry.

Click on the video below for a preview of O'Dea's story.

The beef farmer said he has been handling cattle all his life, but couldn't believe how quickly the attack happened. "It was just frightening how quick it can happen. People don't realise how quick an animal can move."

O'Dea shares his full story of the farm accident, including his recovery journey and how the bull attack changed his attitude towards farm safety, in the first Farm Safety Survivor Series podcast which is now live on the Agriland app, Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.

Teagasc health and safety specialist, John McNamara will speak about the safe handling of livestock and offer advice on handling facilities, behavioural techniques, the use of genetics, and risks during calving season.

Around 4 in 10 of all non-fatal farm incidents are livestock related. Bulls, and cows with new-born calves, pose a significant risk, according to the DAFM.

Being crushed or gored by animals that are being herded, moved, separated, released, or loaded onto trailers present the highest risks, the DAFM said.

When handling livestock, the DAFM issues the following advice:

Have well designed animal handling and loading facilities;
Use personal protective equipment (PPE) where necessary;
Install well designed calving pens and gates;
Use calving jacks;
Always ensure that there is a physical barrier between you and a freshly calved cow, particularly when treating a calf.

When handling bulls, the DAFM issues the following advice:

All bulls should be ringed when 10-months-old;
Any field in which a bull is kept should be securely fenced and gates should be safely secured;
A bull at pasture should have a chain attached to the ring;
A sign warning of the presence of a bull should be displayed at access points to the field;
You are advised to slaughter an aggressive bull;
Use a vehicle when herding or moving the herd;
A properly designed bull pen will allow feeding and bedding without having to enter the pen.

In 2023, there were 16 farming fatalities of which five involved livestock, according to figures published by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

Between 2019 and 2023, 80 people have lost their lives in farm-related work activity in Ireland. Of these fatalities, 18 involved working with livestock, the HSA said.