Did you know the farming industry represents approximately 1.8% of the workforce in Great Britain but accounts for about 19% of the reported fatal injuries each year? The four most common types of accidents on farms involve vehicles and machinery, falls from heights, lifting and handling as well as hazardous substances. The rate of self-reported illness in agriculture is also significantly higher than the average for all industries.
Accidents involving farm machinery and vehicles cause numerous injuries and fatalities which could be prevented by taking adequate precautions and by providing adequate training.
Vehicle and machinery parts can cause damage if not properly maintained or regularly replaced. Many farm machines have dangerous parts such as drive shafts, belts, pulleys, augers, conveyors and other moving components which cut, chop or process materials. These can cause severe injuries if people come in direct contact with them, therefore, it is essential that they are properly guarded and inspected to ensure safety.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment (PUWER) Regulations are the applicable regulations to all equipment and machinery and requires that all equipment provided for use at work is:
- Suitable for the intended use.
- Safe for use, maintained in a safe condition and inspected to ensure it is correctly installed and does not subsequently deteriorate.
- Used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training.
- Accompanied by suitable health and safety measures, such as protective devices and controls. These will normally include guarding, emergency stop devices, adequate means of isolation from sources of energy, clearly visible markings and warning devices.
- Used in accordance with specific requirements, for mobile work equipment and power presses.
- Training in how to operate equipment safely, the use of personal protective equipment and the procedures required to work safely is a legal requirement.
Recognised standards of formal training and competence are required for using chainsaws, tree work, applying pesticides, riding all-terrain vehicles, operating forklift trucks and telescopic materials handlers, sheep dipping and first aid.
If you are unsure on your farming needs or need any assistance with either completing PUWER Assessments for your machines and equipment, completing adequate risk assessments, method statements, COSHH Assessments for any hazardous substances in use or looking to complete PUWER (machinery) training, MBO Safety Services can assist. For more information, please contact our friendly team members by email: info@mbo.ltd.
For a list of our courses please see the following link for further details. MBO Courses
SOURCE: GOV.UK
At MBO Safety Services Ltd, we can offer risk assessments and train team members in the relevant areas of health and safety necessary to carry out work responsibly. With our main office in Oswestry, we carry out much of our training here, but we are also able to come to your premises if this is more convenient and carry out inspections for peace of mind. Please feel free to get in touch to find out more, we would be happy to help.