HSE e-Bulletin service Agriculture Update - 13 April 2011

13/04/2011 - Check out the April HSE e-Bulletin service Agriculture Update.

 

This issue includes:

Make the Promise

Farmers face one of the highest rates of death and serious injury of any industry in Britain.  Did you know that if you are a man working in agriculture, you are two and a half times more likely to die going about your job than you are in a car accident.  Farming industry leaders are working with HSE to encourage farmers to make a promise to come home safe and not become another statistic.  Find out more about Make the Promise.

Lambing – Risk to Pregnant Women

Although we may be approaching the end of the lambing season, pregnant women are reminded about the risk of infection when in close contact with ewes during lambing.  Visit the Defra website for more information and advice.

Incidents

Incidents with machinery

Farmers are reminded to take care when working with machinery.  Never attempt to clear blockages or similar problems unless you have followed the safe stop procedure, have disconnected the drive and the machinery is stationary.  Make sure that all guards are re-fitted and checked before operating the machine and that staff have received adequate instructions and training on how to work safely.  Find out what you need to do to stay safe with machinery.

An Aberdeenshire farm was prosecuted and fined after a worker attempted to deal with a blockage, in a fertiliser spreader, by standing in the machine as it was being operated.  He slipped and his foot was trapped in the mechanism of the spreader, severing his toe.  Read more.

A farm worker suffered a serious injury when his right hand became trapped in a hop press in Suffolk.  The farm worker and one of his colleagues were making a bale of hops when the plunger, which compresses them, shot upwards, trapping his right hand between the plunger and the side of the machine.  Read more.

Incidents working with heights

The two incidents listed below highlight the dangers associated with working on roofs.  Falls from height are the major cause of fatalities within UK workplaces and the second in agriculture.  Please see our web pages for more information on how to reduce the risks when working at height. Find out how to prevent falls from heights.

A farmworker was injured when he fell around four metres through a barn roof.  He was checking for loose corrugated metal sheets when a wooden roof support broke and he fell through to the floor below, breaking a collarbone. He also suffered concussion and severe cuts and bruising.  Read more.

A Nottinghamshire farm business has been prosecuted for safety failings after an employee suffered serious injuries in a roof fall.  Two workers were dismantling a farm building near Newark, when one of them stepped onto a fragile roof panel and fell approximately four metres to the ground. He suffered a broken pelvis, four broken ribs and a broken shoulder blade.  Read more.

Safety and Health Awareness Days (SHADs)

Recent independent research shows that HSE’s traditional farming SHADs continue to score highly with farmers.  Over 95% of attendees have said that they would be happy to recommend them to other farmers.  Still not sure if a SHAD is for you?  Take a look at some the views of some farmers who have attended a SHAD.

Over the next ten months or so, the HSE will be aiming to run 26 events across the country. Check out the SHAD events calendar.

Health and Safety Consultants Register (OSHCR)

The Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register (OSHCR) was launched in April; over 2000 consultants have already registered.  It's free to access and has been designed to help employers find suitably qualified and experienced consultants.  All consultants on the register have been assessed by their relevant professional bodies.  Read more.