WORD ON THE GROUND: Importance of farm health and safety – Spalding Today

I have written previously about health and safety on our farms and how we urge farmers and managers to regularly review the safety policies and procedures that they have in place, to drive down risks in the workplace. B

By making safety a part of everyday conversations we can achieve a change in culture and attitude towards health and safety.

This is the time of year when many will look to carry out general maintenance around the farm and workplace.

From discussions that I have with people, these jobs will often be carried out by themselves.

When looking at what works are required, the importance is on ensuring that tasks are planned and that the people involved have the right training and equipment needed to work safely.

Falls from height are one of the biggest causes of major injury. Avoiding work of this nature where possible is what the NFU and the Farm Safety Partnership are asking everyone to act on.

Identify what works can be carried out from the ground, for example using extendable equipment to carry out routine jobs like gutter cleaning.

Avoiding work at height by bringing in a specialist contractor if required, never being tempted to use the wrong equipment.

It is illegal to lift anyone on the forks or bucket of a telehandler.

The appropriate access equipment, elevating working platform or scaffolding is required to control risk.

As there are many pressures that people are having to cope with at the current time, Coronavirus, Brexit uncertainty and challenging weathers, it is easy to become distracted and overlook something.

The most important thing is that a safe workplace is crucial for everyone involved.

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WORD ON THE GROUND: Importance of farm health and safety - Spalding Today