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It may help to consider your own farm or working areas with the help of a friend or neighbour who is not on the site every day. If you have access to a safety adviser, make use of them to look over your workplace.


Says HSE, “For example, hung and freestanding gates, fixed and portable ladders, sheep-dip baths, slurry lagoons, grain silos, feed stores, propped machinery, machinery being maintained, cattle crushes, loft storage areas, silage clamps, barns, cattle stalls and glasshouses …”. These are just examples.


You must take action “so far as reasonably practicable” to ensure the health, safety and welfare of your employees and any others who may be affected by working activities, including


RISK GUIDES


For a guide to risk assessment, see www.hse.gov.uk/ agriculture/topics/risk- assessment.htm


The guidance also explains where you’re responsible and potentially liable for the safety of young people on your property.


visitors, neighbours and members of the public.


“When I was doing a kids’ safety day a 12-year-old told me he drove a combine during lunch to give his dad a break although the minimum age is 21,” reported Ian Beeby, Unite safety activist.


“He may have well known what he was doing. The problem is though if something unusual happens, and would he know what to do before he injured or killed himself?


Said Unite Tolpuddle Branch’s John Burbidge, “Unite reps on the HSE AIAC have argued for years that every farm dwelling must have a child-secure area separated from the working farm and vehicles. Children should only be


FIND OUT MORE Some handy sites for you:


HSE Preventing Accident to Children on Farms (free PDF download) www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg472.htm


HSE Rick assessment guide and template www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/topics/risk-assessment.htm


Child safety on Farms (blog) www.yellowwellies.org/child-safety-on-farms-2/


33 uniteLANDWORKER Autumn 2024


Unite reps on the HSE AIAC have argued for years that every farm dwelling must have a child-secure area separated from the working farm and vehicles. Children should only be allowed on working farms with supervision


John Burbidge, Unite Tolpuddle branch


Accident waiting to happen – don’t do this at home


allowed on working farms with supervision.


“Most accidents and deaths are avoidable with thought and experience or training. It is the “way of life” culture that needs to change, with regulation replacing guidance from legislation, the HSE, the insurance industry and the coroners, which sadly they seem to regard as a step too far.”


Said Unite health and safety adviser Rob Miguel, “Farms are wonderful places for children to grow and thrive. We must recognise the hazards that exist and put in place strategies to minimise them. We can work with farming communities to create safer environments that allow children to enjoy the benefits of rural life and ensures the future of farming tomorrow.”


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