The HSENI urges the farming community to use the appropriate equipment for all jobs, as it might just save a life.
The message comes as part of Farm Safety Week, which runs from Monday, July 19th, 2021.
Figures show that farming has the poorest safety record of any occupation in the UK.
The HSENI said the lack of proper equipment and machinery, far too often injuries and fatalities.
Appropriate equipment
HSENI encourages the farming community to consider that the cost of a fatality is much more than the cost of using the correct equipment, even if it means hiring additional plant.
Falls from height remains one of the main causes of fatalities and major injuries on our farms, and many are due to the lack of the proper equipment being used.
HSENI chief executive, Robert Kidd, said:
“Falls from height can lead to life-changing injuries or even death.”
“It is important that the equipment used when working from heights is correct, up to the appropriate standard and free from any defects.”
“Hiring the correct equipment can be costly, but it could prove to be a life-saving investment.
“Many of the incidents on our farms are avoidable. I am urging the farming community to consider those risks, carry out a risk assessment, and then, if necessary, hire the proper equipment for the job. It could just save a life.”
You must be suitably competent to work at height and use the correct equipment for the job.
Implement external scaffolding and internal fall protection if there is a chance someone could fall internally or externally when working on the roof structure.
Farmers urged to ‘wake up’ to tiredness
The HSENI encourages farmers to ‘wake up’ to the issue of tiredness during their daily routines.
HSENI chief executive, Robert Kidd, said: “Tiredness and fatigue can have serious consequences within the farming community, and can lead to minor and major injuries and even fatality.”
“HSENI is encouraging farmers and contractors to consider their working patterns and ensure that sufficient breaks are taken to combat the issue of tiredness.”
Overworking can lead to conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders, work-related stress and decreased awareness.
In turn, this can lead to incidents, so it is important not to underestimate the risks of tiredness.
