From Farm Research Group
July 2014
Health & Safety Update
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Welcome to Strutt & Parker’s Farm Research Group Health & Safety Update The quarterly Health & Safety Update is designed to make you think about health & safety matters on your farm and/or estate. Health & safety is a vital part of any business operation. Harvest will very soon be upon us and it is at this busy time of year when everyone is tired that accidents can happen more easily. Staff numbers are higher as harvest students are taken on to help out, some of whom will have limited experience in the industry and of the locality in which they are working. It is important to provide all staff with an informed briefing on health and safety prior to harvest and to ensure that staff are familiar and understand any emergency procedures that are in place across the farm or estate. Do take time to inspect machines each morning when servicing them to ensure that no damage has been caused to them during the previous day or nights work. Where any damage has occurred this should be rectified before the machine is used again and reported to the owner or farm manager where appropriate. Remember that it is not just machines that need refuelling, staff need to eat and rest properly, if there are a number of wet days forecast consider allowing staff particularly single or harvest staff to get to the supermarket to refill the cupboards. For further assistance or information on these or any other issues please call your nearest Strutt & Parker office.
1. Moving Vehicles The largest causes of injuries in agriculture are overturning tractors and being struck by a vehicle. The incidents involve drivers, other workers and pedestrians. Only persons authorised and familiar with the safe operations of the equipment, or those undergoing supervised training should be allowed to drive machines. Cabs MUST be kept free from rubbish and other items that may impede operation of foot pedals and any other controls, front and rear lights must be in full working order for use on the public highways. ALWAYS carry out pre-start checks of the machinery; Tractors are fitted with safety cabs and the cab door/windows should be kept closed to reduce exposure to noise and dusts but this also reduces/removes the ability for operators to hear pedestrians; Operators should take their mobile telephone with them whenever they exit the cab; Do NOT use mobile phones when on the road or in the yard whilst driving a vehicle; When driving on the road: Forks and other attachments should be removed or otherwise folded back or covered; Sharp and/or dangerous edges of loads must be protected and marked; Use appropriate marker boards.
2. Abnormal load dispensations Dispensations are issued annually so it is important to renew any existing dispensation or apply for a new one before such a time as you may need one. The application process can be a time consuming exercise so it needs to be done prior to harvest. Where dispensations have been registered notification conditions can be reduced or in some cases removed altogether. The criteria within the dispensation may vary from county to county so applying in good time can help avoid potential problems during the harvest period, if you operate in different counties you will need to apply for a dispensation for each county from the appropriate constabulary. Abnormal load dispensations are required when moving large machinery more than five miles, this requires the Police to be given at least 24 hours notification when moving machines in excess of three metres wide more than five miles on a road that has a speed limit of 40 mph or less. Loads of up to 4.1 metres can be moved on non-motorway routes without a Police escort but should be escorted by a separate vehicle; if a Police escort is required there may be a charge.
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3. Combining Combining is a key job on the farm and carries a high level of responsibility. The operator must be aware of many things all happening at once and often at high speed. Simple safety procedures can make the job safer for all who operate on and around the combine; Ensure all windows and mirrors are cleaned each morning; Note where overhead power lines are in every field before starting work, have a plan of where overhead cables are in case of entering a field at dusk or in the dark; Do not climb round the combine other than via designated access points and where available using steps, standing areas etc.; Sound the horn before starting the engine or reversing and end ensure any reversing buzzers are working; When cleaning the grain tank, carrying out any work associated with it or when working at the rear, inside or underneath the combine. Stop the engine and remove the ignition key and put it in a secure location that cannot be accessed without your knowledge; Never climb or reach into the tank unless the engine and all augers are stopped and the key is removed from the ignition; Use drive-reversing mechanisms to wind out blockages; Keep the cab door shut while the combine is operating, to control dust and reduce noise exposure; Guards must be in position and correctly fitted at all times when the combine is running; When reversing, make sure you can see what is behind you, use reversing cameras if available; Remember the hazards posed by straw chopper and spreaders – allow an adequate run-down time before approaching the rear of the combine.
4. Grain Carting Grain carting is frequently the least experienced member of staff’s job. Accidents frequently occur when vehicles are turning into or leaving fields adjoining public roads, when entering and exiting any location take particular care; check for motorbikes, other vehicles and pedestrians on the public highway. It may be necessary to put appropriate signage on the highway. It is imperative to ensure that the following is conveyed to those carting and loading trailers;
Ensure loads are evenly distributed; Loads should be tipped in a controlled manner, without excessive speed or fierce braking; When tipping there should be adequate headroom to tip the trailer and to pull forward as the load comes out; Lower the trailer body as soon as the tipping operation is complete and before moving away; Care must be taken when tipping around other people – it is not sufficient to assume you have been seen unless definite contact has been made between parties; Never stand under an unsupported raised trailer body. A number of fatalities have occurred during maintenance and repair, particularly during works which require the trailer body to be raised for access. Always shut off the tractor before attempting to service or adjust either the tractor or trailer. In these circumstances the trailer should be on firm level ground and props should be used to prevent the trailer body from falling. Escaping hydraulic fluids under pressure can have sufficient force to penetrate the skin, causing serious injury. Before disconnecting pipes, be sure to relieve all pressure. Before applying pressure to the system, be sure all connections are tight and that pipes and hoses are not damaged. Use a piece of cardboard or wood, rather than hands, to search for suspected leaks. If injured by escaping fluid, see a doctor at once. Serious infection can develop if proper medical treatment is not administered immediately.
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5. Overhead Cables Most farms and estates have overhead cables crossing them; these can include phone lines to high voltage electricity cables. A plan of where all these cables are situated should be provided to all staff. Sprayer and combine operators, those operating tipping trailers and those stacking bales should be particularly aware of where power cables are and should avoid opening/closing booms, operating discharge augers or tipping trailers under them. The use of material handlers should be avoided under cables particularly those with a high reach capability. If a power line has been brought down it should not be approached as it may still be live, power lines will attempt to re-power themselves three times before indicating to the power company that there is a problem. Always assume that the power lines are live even if they are not sparking. Avoid stopping under overhead power lines and never stack bales under them. If you are in a machine/vehicle and are in contact with a power cable you should either stay in the machine/vehicle or jump well clear – ensure you are not in contact with the ground and machine/vehicle at the same time as you risk electrocution. Do not allow anyone to approach you or the machine/vehicle until it has been confirmed that the power has been isolated by the power/utility company as they also could risk electrocution.
6. Vermin Control Rodent control in and around grain/feed stores is critical to complying with assurance schemes for both combinable crops and livestock producers. Likewise rabbit control is important to the health of crops, other vermin e.g. foxes is vital for the protection of game birds, young stock and in some instances herd or flock health. Where rodenticides or other poisons are being used they should be used strictly by properly trained operators or specialist contractors. Local training groups provide training courses that provide appropriate training for carrying out the use of poisons and traps, they also give a good background to the legislation that surrounds vermin control. With grainstores being open during much of harvest to allow access of vehicles all allows children, pets and other animals to enter them, any poisons that have been laid should be away from areas that can be easily accessed. Where poisons are being used they should be kept in a secure, locked, fire resistant cabinet, where moisture activated gassing compounds are used the containers should be airtight. The cabinet should be marked ‘Gassing Compound – Do Not Use Water’. The cabinet should be out of direct sunlight and above the bunded level of a store to prevent liquid entering the cabinet in the event of a spillage.
7. Harvest Students and Temporary Workers Harvest students and temporary workers are frequently less familiar with both the farm or estate and the local area. It is therefore essential to provide all workers new and old with a thorough induction briefing before they start work. The briefing should include; Location of first aid kits, accident books, fire extinguishers, electric isolation points; Who the qualified first aiders are; Who to report any accidents to, for both personal injury and machine or property damage; Who to ring in an emergency; A list of numbers for all staff; Location of all overhead cables; Emergency action plans. All staff should be provided with a copy of the Health & Safety policy and should sign to confirm they have read it and will comply with it for the duration of their employment. Ensure you have a copy of their personal details, a contact number for their next of kin and a note of any allergies. If prescription medication is taken, what it is and where it is kept should be determined so that if necessary the appropriate information can be provided to emergency services. Farm staff are required to carry out a huge variety of tasks and certification is required for the operation of some machines and equipment, this is to ensure safe operation for the operator, environment and employer – it is essential that you check what certificates are held and take a copy of them. If staff are not certified to operate a machine or equipment they must not be allowed to unless under the direct supervision of a qualified member of staff or trainer.
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Every effort has been made to ensure the information provided within this document is fully accurate. However Strutt & Parker LLP accept no responsibility if recipients should act upon any of the information without seeking the appropriate professional advice.
