News in brief: The UK’s Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has initiated a two-week inspection campaign targeting working at height in agricultural settings, aiming to address the significant risks, including falls, associated with such work. It will also be sensitising farmers on the importance of using competent contractors and appropriate equipment for tasks at height, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
The United Kingdom’s (UK) Health and Safety Authority (HSA), has announced a two-week inspection campaign focusing on working at height in agricultural settings.
The campaign targets both small and large farms nationwide. Working at height poses significant threats in agriculture with falls leading to several deaths.
A report says that between 2013 and 2022, there have been 22 fall-related deaths from 191 total farm fatalities in Ireland. There have also been two confirmed fatalities as a result of working at height on Irish farms in 2023.
HSA inspectors will be visiting farms to remind farmers of the serious risks involved in any work at height. They will also offer safety advise to farmers.
Falls from ladders, unprotected edges of roofs or other structures, and falls through fragile roof materials, form the nucleus of occupational hazards when working at heights.
Additionally, farmers are being reminded about the benefits of seeking out competent contractors with the right equipment to safely carry out specific works at height. They have been advised to plan ahead and make sure that they only perform these kinds of works using the proper equipment and with protective measures in place.
The HSA Senior Inspector for Agriculture, Pat Griffin, said that storms and changes in weather can make it more dangerous work at height, especially with farm building repairs.
