health and safety at work health and safety...

Effective work practices

These resources were produced with the financial support of ELWa

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Effective Work Practices

HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK

HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS

COSHH

RISK ASSESSMENT

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

(PPEs)

RIDDOR 95

FARM SECURITY

MANUAL HANDLING AND SAFE LIFTING

TECHNIQUES

FARM WASTE

NB. Health and Safety information sourced from Health and Safety Executive website and their published leaflets

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Table of Contents

HEALTH AND SAFETY LAW.......................................................................5 THE HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK ACT 1974 – (HSWA)....................6 DUTIES OF EMPLOYERS TO EMPLOYEES..............................................6 DUTIES OF EMPLOYEES ...........................................................................6 DUTIES OF SELF-EMPLOYED PEOPLE....................................................7

REGULATIONS ...............................................................................................9 HEATH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS .......................................................9

COSHH..........................................................................................................11 WHAT IS COSHH? ....................................................................................11 DO FARMERS AND GROWERS NEED TO COMPLY WITH THESE REGULATIONS?........................................................................................11 WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EMPLOYER AND SELF- EMPLOYED? .............................................................................................11 WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EMPLOYEE?..................11 WHAT EFFECT DOES EXPOSURE HAVE? .............................................12 WHAT IS THE ASSESSMENT?.................................................................12 STEP 1 - IDENTIFY THE SUBSTANCES USED OR PRODUCED IN THE WORKPLACE. ...........................................................................................13 STEP 2 – ASSESSING THE RISK.............................................................14 STEP 3 – DECIDING ON CONTROL MEASURES - PRECAUTIONS.......14 STEP 4 – IMPLEMENTING THE CONTROL MEASURES - PRECAUTIONS .........................................................................................15

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES - SEVEN MAIN GROUPS .............................16 COSHH ASSESSMENT FORMS...............................................................17 CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH REGULATIONS 1999 (C.O.S.H.H.) ......................................................................................18

RISK ASSESSMENT.....................................................................................20 TERMINOLOGY.........................................................................................20 FIVE STEPS TO RISK ASSESSMENT AS SUGGESTED BY HSE...........21 EXAMPLES OF HAZARDS. .......................................................................22 WORK SITUATIONS AND NATURE OF HARM THAT COULD BE CAUSED: ...................................................................................................22 RISK ASSESSMENT – AN EXAMPLE.......................................................23

Taking a cow to the bull for service................................................................24 CARRY OUT RISK ASSESSMENTS FOR THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS ...................................................................................................................25

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING ........................................................28 THE PPE MUST BE SUITABLE FOR THE TASK......................................29

RIDDOR 95....................................................................................................34 WHO MUST REPORT? .............................................................................34 WHAT IS SPECIFIC TO THE SELF-EMPLOYED?....................................34 WHY REPORT?.........................................................................................34 WHAT MUST BE REPORTED?.................................................................34 WHO DO YOU REPORT TO?....................................................................36 HOW QUICKLY SHOULD THE OCCURRENCES BE REPORTED? ........36 WHAT FORM MUST BE FILLED IN?.........................................................37 WHAT RECORDS SHOULD BE KEPT......................................................37

FARM SECURITY..........................................................................................43

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FARMWATCH SCHEMES AND ADVICE FROM COMMUNITY SAFETY POLICE OFFICERS...................................................................................45

FARM SECURITY TASK ...............................................................................45 TASK 2 ..........................................................................................................45 MANUAL HANDLING ....................................................................................46

THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH AGRICULTURE ..........................47 FARM WASTE MANAGEMENT ....................................................................52

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HEALTH AND SAFETY LAW

The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are government bodies set up to protect people at work, and those affected by work activities. The health and safety laws apply to all businesses, even the self-employed, as well as employees.

The HSC has overall responsibility for policy on health and safety at work, and they advise on the standards and regulations. Regulations are law, approved by Parliament, and are based on UK directives and those of the EC.

The HSE is the enforcement agency, which also gives advice on occupational health matters and promotes awareness of health related matters in the workplace. This is achieved by producing 'Guidance' leaflets, and leaflets and brochures on 'Codes of Practice'. These are intended to help employers, self- employed and employees to understand and conform to health and safety legislation.

The HSE has authority to inspect workplaces including farms; investigate accidents and cases of ill health and order employers to make improvements, prosecuting if necessary.

The self-employed should conform to the health and safety regulations as though they were employers. Too often, self-employed people, who do not employ others, take a more relaxed view of health and safety issues.

Relatively minor accidents can be inconvenient and also expensive if relief workers have to be brought in. Blatant disregard for even simple health and safety issues can lead to severe injury and even death.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 The Health and Safety at Work Act (HSW Act) forms the basis of the health and safety law in UK.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 These regulations give more information on how the HSW Act should be applied.

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THE HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK ACT 1974 – (HSWA)

The HSWA 1974 is an important act covering the legal duties of:

Employers Employees Self-employed

The purpose of the act is to provide a legal framework to encourage high standards of health and safety at work.

Its aims are:

To safeguard the health, safety and welfare of persons at work

To protect the general public from risks to health and safety caused by the activities of persons at work

To control the keeping and use of explosive or highly flammable or otherwise dangerous substances and generally prevent the unlawful acquisition, possession and use of such substances

To control the emission into the atmosphere of harmful or offensive substances from premises

DUTIES OF EMPLOYERS TO EMPLOYEES

Maintain safe systems of work E.g. forestry workers need to be at least two tree lengths away from each other when felling trees

Ensure the safe use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances

Eg transporting storing and using dairy chemicals

Provide adequate instruction, training and supervision E.g. training farm staffs on the use of tractor, ATV, and in the case of a rough terrain truck, a Certificate of Competence

Maintain safe premises and other places of work E.g. general fabric of the building and electrical installation and equipment.

Provide a safe working environment and adequate welfare facilities Eg providing toilets, washing facilities; and a rest and eating area.

Employers with 5 or more employees must prepare a written safety policy.

DUTIES OF EMPLOYEES

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Must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be put at risk by what they do.

Eg. If an employee has been trained in the safe use of Rough Terrain Forklift, then they should not disregard any of the safe working practices they have been taught.

If visitors come to the workplace, employees need to ensure their safety whilst they are on the site.

Taking care of, own Health and Safety and that of others

DUTIES OF SELF-EMPLOYED PEOPLE

The self-employed have similar responsibilities to employers.

They must ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that they do not risk their own health and safety, nor must they expose other people to risk. This includes children and general members of the public.

Both The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and The Safety at Work Regulations 1992 place a duty on companies and individuals to ensure that, so far as is reasonably practicable, adequate provision is made for the health, safety and welfare of their workforce.

In order to do this, the main requirement of the Health and Safety regulations is for businesses to carry out risk assessments. Risk assessments identify the hazards that may cause a risk to the health and safety of employees or self-employed. Hazards are classified as high, medium or low risks and control measures, or precautions, to reduce the risks must be put in place.

Employers with more than five employees must record any 'significant findings' when carrying out their risk assessments.

Ideally all farmers should have a Health and Safety policy, which is correctly planned and implemented, with a procedure for monitoring the system and ensuring that standards are being met. This means that once a risk assessment has been made, any control measures that are found to be necessary should be implemented. The system will need to be reviewed at regular intervals and improvements made as and when necessary.

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If, as a result of the risk assessment, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is included as a control measure, then it is the responsibility of the employer to provide the appropriate equipment.

It is also the responsibility of an employer to:

Ensure that employees receive adequate and correct training for their work Consult their employees or their employees' representatives, on certain health and safety matters.

Employers with more than 5 employees are required to set out their Health and Safety Policy in writing, which is signed and dated.

Businesses employing personnel must also have employers' liability compulsory insurance, and the certificate should be on display. Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Regulations 1969

An employer must also display the health and safety law poster. The Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations 1989

Health and Safety Regulations that may be applicable to agriculture are to found in chapter called ‘Regulations’.

For a full description of the HSAW and HSWA regulations see www.healthandsafety.co.uk

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REGULATIONS

HEATH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS

NB. Some of the following regulations (marked *) are specific to particular industries, but may be applicable to your farming circumstances.)

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 The Health and Safety at Work Act (HSW Act) forms the basis of the health and safety law in UK.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 These regulations give more information on how the HSW Act should be applied

Prevention of Accidents to Children in Agriculture Regulations 1978 (PACAR)

Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Regulations 1969 Require employers to take out insurance against accidents and ill health to their employees.

The Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations 1989 Require employers to display a poster telling employees what they need to know about health and safety

Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 Cover requirements for first aid

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994 (COSHH) Require employers to assess the risks from hazardous substances and take adequate precautions

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1985 (RIDDOR) Require employers to notify certain occupational injuries, diseases and dangerous events. Revised version came into force in 1996

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regulations 1992 Requires employers to provide appropriate protective clothing and equipment for their employees.

Control of Pollution (silage, slurry and agricultural fuel oil) Regulations 1991 This lays down standards for the structure of silos and effluent storage facilities Noise at Work Regulations 1989 Require employers to take action to protect employees from hearing damage

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Provision of Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER 1992) Requires that equipment provided for use at work, including machinery, is safe

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) LOLER is aimed at ensuring that all lifting operations are properly planned, that lifting equipment is used in a safe manner and, where necessary, lifting equipment is thoroughly examined at suitable intervals by a competent person.

Provision and Use of Work Related Equipment Regulations of 1998

Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 Cover the moving of objects by hand or bodily force.

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 Cover basic health, safety and welfare e.g. Ventilation, lighting, heating etc

The Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986

Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 Requirements for work with VDUs

Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 Require people in control of electrical systems to ensure that they are safe to use and maintained in a safe condition

Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989 *

Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987 *

Control of Lead at Work Regulations 1980 *

Not an exhaustive list

Task:

Add other regulations that you are aware of which are not included in this list

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COSHH 'Control of Substances Hazardous to Health'

WHAT IS COSHH?

COSHH means 'Control of Substances Hazardous to Health'. It is a set of regulations put in place to protect workers from the dangers of the hazardous substances that they may use in the course of their work. (Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999)

Substances that are ‘hazardous to health’ include substances labelled as dangerous (i.e. very toxic, toxic, harmful, irritant or corrosive) under other statutory requirements, agricultural pesticides and other chemicals used on farms and substances with occupational exposure limits.

DO FARMERS AND GROWERS NEED TO COMPLY WITH THESE REGULATIONS?

YES! Farmers, growers and those involved in the agricultural industry are constantly using substances, which, if not correctly used, can cause ill health not only to themselves but also to the general public.

The COSHH regulations apply whether you are an employer, an employee or self-employed.

It is a legal requirement for employers and the self-employed to comply with COSHH Regulations and conduct a COSHH risk assessment.

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EMPLOYER AND SELF- EMPLOYED?

Employers must ensure that the health of their workforce and that of the general public (as well as their own) is not put at risk as a result of their work activity. This includes casual workers, part-time workers and anyone visiting the premises.

Employers need to inform their employees of the hazards, risks and control measures associated with their work.

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EMPLOYEE?

If you are an employee, it is your responsibility to use correct procedures for dealing with any substances, which are covered by the COSHH regulations that you use in the course of your work. You are also responsible for reporting any problems associated with such procedures eg. If control

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measures are defective, or if protective equipment is damaged and ineffective.

If you are not correctly trained for undertaking a task involving hazardous substances, then you must refuse to carry out the operation.

COSHH is, in effect, a risk assessment specifically for substances that can cause ill health to workers or others.

WHAT EFFECT DOES EXPOSURE HAVE?

Exposure to hazardous substances can lead to illnesses including cancers, asthma and dermatitis.

Exposure can be through: Breathing Skin contact Ingesting, either directly, or following contamination of fingers or clothing. Though splashes to the eyes. Through accidental spillage, leakage or discharge.

WHAT IS THE ASSESSMENT?

The COSHH assessment is the identification of hazardous substances and the action that needs to be taken to control any risks to health and safety.

NB When identifying the hazardous substance it is important to be specific when naming the substance being used e.g.

Deosan Formalin Youngs Robust Dip ICI Creosote

The 4 Steps: 1. Identify the substances used or produced in the workplace. Assess

how much is used and in what form.

2. Assess the risk to health from work activities that involve a hazardous substance

3. Decide on the action to be taken to reduce risk. Prevent, or where this is not reasonably practicable, adequately control exposure to hazardous substances

4. Introduce and put into practice the action plan.

The system used should be a simple one, where products are classed as high, medium or low risk.

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It is also good practice to involve employees in a risk assessment. Employees must co-operate with their employer on matters of health and safety

STEP 1 - IDENTIFY THE SUBSTANCES USED OR PRODUCED IN THE WORKPLACE.

There are many hazardous substances, used by the agricultural industry. Examples:

Pesticides o Insecticides; Fungicides; Rodent poisons

Veterinary medicines o Antibiotics

Dustso Mouldy hay; Processing cereals; Cultivations

Fumes o Welding; Chemical use

Gases o Exhaust; Sealed storage – slurry and grain silos

Acidso Hypochlorite; Formalin; Batteries

Alkalis o Caustic soda

Chemicals and detergents o Dairy chemicals; Spraying; Anthelmintics

Zoonoses o Leptospirosis; Salmonella; Brucellosis; Orf; Ringworm

Other Disease organisms o Tetanus; Weils Disease

Fuels, Oils and Grease o Diesel oil; Waste oil

Other substances o Wood preservatives; Paints; Fertilizers; Slurry; Tippex!

Labelling of substances

Suppliers of hazardous substances, under the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002, have to provide information to

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users in the form of safety data sheets and proper labelling with hazard symbols.

It is important that anyone using hazardous substances read the Product Safety Data Sheets carefully before using the substance.

STEP 2 – ASSESSING THE RISK

The person producing the COSHH assessment will need to observe the product being use in order to correctly assess any risks associated with its use.

The assessor will:

Identify who will be using the substance, what concentration will be used, and for what length of time will it be used. Decide how the person will be affected by working with the substance. What are the possible routes of exposure – by splashes into eyes, absorption by skin, breathing in or by accidentally swallowing? Check to see if any direct contact with the product causes ill health, by reading the product safety data sheet.

If you are an employer, carry out appropriate health surveillance. This means keeping records of employees’ health problems or sickness absences, to check if illnesses are linked to any work activity.

As with other risk assessments, the COSHH assessment should consider the risks to employer, employees, self-employed, other visitors as well as the general public.

STEP 3 – DECIDING ON CONTROL MEASURES - PRECAUTIONS

Once a risk has been determined, an action plan for minimising the effect of that risk must be made. Precautions or controls must be put in place. Questions to be asked:

Can you avoid using that particular substance? Can an alternative product be used which is less of a risk to health and safety? What other controls can be put in place?

Control measures could include:

Use of specialist equipment e.g. ventilation or extraction equipment to reduce fumes and dust – called ‘engineering controls’. Controls on the way the product is used by giving:

o Training people who will be using the substances o Erecting warning notices o Excluding other personnel from the operation area.

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As a last resort, Personal Protective Equipment should be use, but PPE are not a substitute for basic control measures; they should be the ‘last line of defence’.

STEP 4 – IMPLEMENTING THE CONTROL MEASURES - PRECAUTIONS

The person who conducts the COSHH assessment must write his/her finding, with control measures detailed. This must be kept as a working document that can be continually updated when new products are purchased.

There should be a training programme for staff ensuring that all of the workforce:

Understand the risks to health from using hazardous substances Are aware of precautions that should be taken when using hazardous substances. COSHH assessments should be made available to staff for reference.

Staff using sheep dip or those involved with spraying should have the necessary formal training and qualifications.

When carrying out risk assessments on the farm, any activities which expose workers to hazardous substances must be included, with all the control measure required fully explained.

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HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES - SEVEN MAIN GROUPS TOXIC Can cause poisoning by:

Ingestion Inhalation Absorption through tissue

HARMFUL/IRRITANT Can produce harmful effects although not actually corrosive or toxic

EXPLOSIVE Apart from obvious explosives like TNT, many substances will explode given the right conditions:

Nitrogen Flour & Starch Coal dust Gases

CORROSIVE Can cause corrosive damage to:

Skin Eyes Respiratory system

OXIDISING (FLAMMABLE) Many oxidising substances such as nitric acid and peroxides provide an oxygen supply which can be a potent ional fire risk

HIGHLY FLAMMABLE Many commonly used organic chemicals have low flash points:

Acetone Gasoline Ether

RADIOACTIVE Used in some non-destructive testing E.g. x-rays Not normally used in agriculture.

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CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH REGULATIONS 1999 (C.O.S.H.H.)

Re-cap: Employers have to comply with COSHH regulations by controlling exposure to hazardous substances and preventing the ill health of their employees and others.

It is important that you are able to identify the special labels and packages which warn and protect the user, transporters, emergency services and the general public.

COSHH - Task 1.

Draw the correct symbol for each of the following types of substance

Harmful Irritant Corrosive Flammable Radio Active Explosive Oxidising

Supports fire Toxic

COSHH - Task 2 On the following page are examples of dangerous substances which may be used by a farmer.

a. Draw the correct label/labels in the column to the right of the product, and write its label name e.g. Toxic, Corrosive etc.

b. Look around your own workplace and find 3 other examples of hazardous substances that you use. Add these substances to the list in the spaces provided, together with the correct hazard label.

c. Collect the Product Safety Data Sheets for each of your chosen examples. If these are not found with the packaging, obtain them from the supplier or manufacturer.

d. For the 3 examples chosen, compare the information given on the Product Safety Data Sheets using the following headings:

Hazards Fire fighting PPE requirements First Aid

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Substance Label/Labels

Dairy Hypochlorite

Anti-freeze

Tractor or car battery

Paraquat based weed killers

Cropmaster fertilizer

Nitram fertilizer

Liquid paper correction fluid – e.g. Tippex

Your example 1

Your example 2

Your example 3

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RISK ASSESSMENT

To ensure a safe working environment, it is necessary to be aware of the activities that take place on the farm and identify hazards which could cause a risk to health and safety. The risk may be to those working on the farm; those visiting, including contractors, other self-employed tradesmen or company salesmen; neighbours and other members of the public.

Risk assessment is the main requirement of health and safety regulations. It is a legal requirement to assess risks.

If there are children living on or regularly visiting the farm, include these in any risk assessments that you are undertaking. Hazards, which could be assessed as low risk to adults, can be of high risk to children and young people. The most vulnerable children are between one to five year old and 11 to 15.

Some activities may have a risk factor, but the scale of the risk could be so small that no major control measures need to be put in place. Other activities may have a greater risk factor and more detailed safety control measures need to be put into place.

TERMINOLOGY

What is a HAZARD? A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm e.g. Chemicals; electricity; dust; fumes and organisms.

What is a RISK? A risk is the chance, great or small, of the hazard causing harm.

What is risk assessment? Risk assessment is the process of looking at your business activities and identifying any hazards. Once a hazard has been identified it is necessary to assess what degree of risk this poses to people. Once the level of the risk has been assessed precautionary measures, as is reasonably practicable, should be put in place. Any precautions measures already in place should be checked to ensure that they comply with your legal duties under the HSW Act.

1 Identify the hazard 2 Assess extent of harm from hazard and to whom and how 3 Assess the degree of risk and if existing precautions are adequate 4 Record findings 5 Review the assessment regularly

The important thing is to decide if a hazard is significant, and to check that you have it covered by existing precautions.

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The person who carries out the assessment must have the knowledge and experience to deal with the specific risk.

FIVE STEPS TO RISK ASSESSMENT AS SUGGESTED BY HSE

Step 1 - Look for the hazards Examine your workplace and look for situations or work activities that could cause significant harm.

Step 2 - Decide who might be harmed and how Self employed Children on the farm Employees Visitors Neighbours Other members of the public.

Step 3 - Evaluate the risks and decide whether existing precautions are adequate or more should be done.

Is the degree of risk high, medium or low? Can the hazard be removed? What can be done to minimise the risk to health and safety if the hazard cannot be removed? What control measures - precautions - must you put in place to reduce the risk? Have you given adequate instruction and training for personnel, so that they carry out their work in the safest possible way? Do the precautions meet legal requirements, comply with industry standards, represent good practice and reduce risk 'as far as reasonably practicable'. Is the use of Personal Protective Equipment the last control measure, when all other control measures have been put in place? Are the PPEs the correct type for the hazard and job to be done?

Step 4 Record your findings If you have more than 5 employees, you must record the hazards and write your conclusions. You should also inform your employees about the findings. If you have fewer than 5 employees you do not need to write anything down.

Step 5 – Review your procedures Review the assessment at regular intervals, or when a new machine or process is adopted.

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EXAMPLES OF HAZARDS.

Slips, trips and falls

Manual handling

Electricity

Environmental Hazards

Chemical hazards *

Fire

Noise

Tools

Machinery

People

Bacteria/viruses

WORK SITUATIONS AND NATURE OF HARM THAT COULD BE CAUSED:

Cleaning out a bull pen - direct injury

Driving a tractor on a slope – direct injury

Cleaning guttering on an asbestos roof – direct injury

Stacking hay bales – direct injury, ill health due to dust

Dipping sheep – ill health short/long term

Knapsack spraying – ill health short/long term possibly direct back injury also.

* Many hazards may involve substances that are hazardous to health, and these are controlled by the COSHH regulations.

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RISK ASSESSMENT – AN EXAMPLE

The scenario:

TAKING COWS ON HEAT TO A BULL FOR SERVICE A farmer has a Friesian bull in a bullpen The bull has a ring in his nose The pen has all the features that a well designed bull pen should have When cows are brought to service, the bull is handled by 2 staff, the younger being over 18 years of age. A safe system of work has been set and is followed at all times No bull should be trusted

In the above example, all adequate precautions have been taken to reduce the risk of injury to the farm staff, as far as is reasonably practicable.

Control measures in place:

1. The bull is in a properly constructed bull pen, suitable for the purpose.

2. The bull has a ring in his nose, which is according to HSE guidelines – all bulls should be ringed at 10 months of age.

3. The bull is being handled by 2 members of staff – again as per HSE guidelines.

4. It mentions that the youngest is over 18 years of age – HSE states that ‘generally, bull handlers must be between 18 and 65 years of age’.

5. Finally, a ‘safe system of work has been set and is followed at all times’

In this example, all precautions, that can be taken, have been taken. The risk to the health and safety is therefore considered to be LOW.

On the following page is the completed risk assessment form for the above scenario.

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RISK ASSESSMENT

Work Activity Taking a cow to the bull for service Location Long Acre Farm

Date 28th August 2005 Signature Alun Thomas

1 Identify hazard

Friesian bull

2 Who might be harmed?

Farm staff, visitors to farm

3 How might they be harmed? -

Seriously injured/gored – killed

4 Identify the risk Low Medium High

5 Are existing precautions adequate? Yes No

6 Can one reduce the risk? Yes No

7 If YES, how can one reduce the risk?

Not applicable

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CARRY OUT RISK ASSESSMENTS FOR THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS

Worksheet 1 - Drilling a hole through a wall:

A plumber is installing central heating to a farm house He needs to drill a hole through the wall from outside to inside It is raining heavily His 240 volt drill has a cable that has perished, exposing a bare live wire The electric drill has not been check regularly under the ‘Electricity at Work Regulations’.

Worksheet 2 - Complete a risk assessment form for an activity that you carry out in the normal course of your daily work

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Risk Assessment – Worksheet 1

RISK ASSESSMENT

Work Activity

Location

Date

Signature

1 Identify hazard







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Risk Assessment – Worksheet 2

RISK ASSESSMENT

Work Activity

Location

Date

Signature

1 Identify hazard







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PERSONAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

The Personal protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations1992 came into force in January 1993. It is a replacement for a number of old laws regarding PPEs.

From 1 st July 1995 all new PPE is marked with a 'CE' symbol to show that the PPE satisfies certain basic safety requirements. In most cases the equipment will have been tested and certified by an independent body. Equipment purchased before this date, which does not have the mark, can still be used provided it continues to offer adequate protection.

The HSE regulations define PPEs as ' all equipment (including clothing affording protection against the weather), which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work which protects him against one or more risks to his health or safety'.

It is the responsibility of the employer to provide the correct PPEs for his workforce, free of charge.

The self-employed have the same duty to obtain and use the appropriate PPE whenever there is a risk to their health and safety.

When considering risks to the health and safety of workers, hazards have to be identified and risk assessments have to be made with control measures put in place to reduce the risk, as far as is reasonably practicable. The use of PPEs should be the last control on the list, and should be used when all other control measures regarding the risk have been put in place and the risk cannot be controlled in any other way.

Eg. Milking routine.

In order to reduce the risk of catching Leptospirosis (a zoonotic disease), a cowman would need to wear a waterproof parlour suit, wellington boots and gloves PLUS a face shield to protect eyes and mouth.

This would be impractical, so the Leptospirosis risk must be reduced. This is achieved by vaccinating the cows to prevent them carrying the infection.

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THE PPE MUST BE SUITABLE FOR THE TASK.

EXAMPLES

HEAD PROTECTION

Riding an ATV

A bicycle helmet, or helmet used by skateboarders would not be suitable. It does not offer sufficient all-round protection for the skull in the event of a fall.

An approved motorbike helmet to BS 6658 is recommended.

A CE approved equine riding hat that gives both top and side head protection would be considered suitable protection when riding an ATV, so long as it can be adjusted to fit the wearer.

LEG PROTECTION

Felling trees:

Ordinary overalls would not be suitable; a chain saw could slip and would easily cut through the fabric causing serious injury to the operator.

Specialist leggings made of fabric which incorporates loosely woven nylon fibres, or similar protective material, (to EN 381 NORM) should be worn. In the event of the chainsaw making contact with the fabric, the long, loose fibres would lock the chain (with one manufacturer’s garment this would take 14/100th of a second).

EYE PROTECTION

Arc Welding:

Ordinary glasses or goggles are not suitable. Arc welding generates visible light as well as harmful radiation in the form of infra red and ultra violet, which can damage eyes and skin.

Full protection in the form of a helmet or hand shade, with eye protection provided by shaded filter lenses must be worn to protect from harmful radiation.

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CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING PPE

As emphasised before, using PPEs is the last control measure, used when all other control measures or precautions cannot adequately reduce the risk of injury. It is important therefore that the equipment conforms to certain criteria:

Appropriate equipment is used for specific tasks

The use of PPE should not increase the level of risk

Equipment should fit the wearer, being adjustable if necessary.

The health of the user must be taken into account when assessing risk.

The requirements of the job need to be taken into account when deciding on the type of equipment. e.g. length of time PPE to be used.

Equipment should be compatible. e.g. for chainsaw work, the ear protectors should fit correctly when the visor/helmet is put on.

TRAINING

Employers have a duty of care to their employees and it is their responsibility to provide adequate training on the use of PPE and to make sure the user understands why and when the equipment should be use, repaired or replaced.

The self-employed have a duty of care to themselves and their families; the self-employed must comply with the same rules as the employer.

CARE OF PPE

All equipment must be correctly maintained so that the health and safety of the user is not compromised.

The trained user can undertake normal maintenance, but major repairs may need to be taken to specialist suppliers.

Equipment should have a designated storage space, which can be easily accessed by the users.

For smaller items such as goggles, gloves and facemasks a good supply should be available, to ensure that users do not undertake tasks without using the correct personal protective equipment.

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Examples of clothing and equipment included in the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations1992

Safety helmets - correct helmet for the task Face shields Eye protection - glasses, visors, goggles Safety footwear - steel toe capped boots, appropriate waterproof 'wellington boots', rubber boots, chainsaw operators boots Overalls Safety trousers or leggings Gloves, Chemical protective gloves, gauntlets, mittens High visibility clothing Respiratory equipment, masks Safety harness Waterproof, weatherproof or insulated clothing if required to protect workers against adverse weather conditions which could affect their health or safety.

Ordinary work clothes that don't protect against risks to health and safety are not included in the list.

You will notice that ear protection is not included in this list; this is because there are six further sets of regulations that cover the use of PPEs, some are for more specialised work activities e.g. working with lead or asbestos. In the case of ear protection from noise this would be covered by the Noise at Work Regulations 1989.

The six other sets of regulations concerned with PPEs: Noise at Work Regulations 1989 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 1995 Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989 Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987 Control of Lead at Work Regulations 1980 Ionising Radiation Regulations 1985

OTHER SAFETY MEASURES THAT SHOULD BE OBSERVED

Avoid wearing jewellery when working, especially with machinery.

Rings, if they cannot be removed should be covered with tape to avoid being caught in tools or equipment.

Hair should be tied back, or a close fitting cap worn to avoid getting tangled in moving equipment.

Clothing should be tight fitting with no tears or loose ends, or pull cords, that could get caught in moving parts of machinery.

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PROTECTING THE BODY

Examples of work carried out on a farm, associated hazards and protection required.

Part of Body Task/Hazard Risk Protection Head Riding ATV Fall Helmet

Using Chainsaw Falling/flying objects

Helmet

Using Strimmer Flying objects Helmet Working on roof Fall Helmet

Eyes Using bench grinder Metal splash Goggles Using dairy chemicals Chemical splash Goggles Knapsack spraying Chemical splash Goggles Welding Arcing Helmet/shield Strimming Flying objects Goggles Milking Splashes Visor

Breathing Cleaning grain stores Dust Face mask or full face respirators

Handling dusty hay Mould spores Face mask

Upper Body Winter field work Adverse weather conditions

Waterproof, insulated jackets ATV Gloves

Spraying Chemical splashes

Waterproof clothing

Lower limbs Tractor maintenance Falling equipment Safety boots Chain saw operation Leg lacerations Correct safety

leggings Chainsaw operators boots

Milking Urine, faeces Parlour suits

Hands and arms

Cleaning dairy equipment

Chemical splash Gloves

Filling sprayer Chemical splash Gauntlets

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USING THE CORRECT PPE FOR SPECIFIC FARM TASKS

List the PPEs that should be used to carry out the following tasks:

EXAMPLE 1.

Using an ATV to round up sheep.

EXAMPLE 2

Using a knapsack sprayer to spray docks.

EXAMPLE 3

Machinery maintenance: A 600 hour service on the tractor Sharpening the mower blades using a bench grinder

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RIDDOR 95

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations

WHAT IS RIDDOR95?

RIDDOR stands for the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations of 1995, which came into force on April 1st 1996

RIDDOR 95 replaces five earlier regulations and the intention is to simplify the reporting of accidents etc. New reporting procedures came into effect in April 2001.

WHO MUST REPORT?

Employers, self-employed and people in control of work premise are required, by law, to conform to RIDDOR.

WHAT IS SPECIFIC TO THE SELF-EMPLOYED?

If you self-employed and are working at someone else’s work premises, and sustain a major or over 3-day injury, it is the responsibility of the other person to report the occurrence.

On your own premises, it is your responsibility to report any work-related injury, or get some else to report it on your behalf.

WHY REPORT?

Accidents and work-related diseases which occur in the workplace need to be reported for the following reasons:

It’s a legal requirement For Health and Safety statistics For investigation where necessary

WHAT MUST BE REPORTED?

Death Death of an employee, self-employed person or a member of the public.

Major injury (now includes results of physical violence) Fractures (not fingers, thumbs or toes) Amputation

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Dislocation of shoulder, hip, knee or spine Loss of sight or Injury to eye Electric shock or burn leading to unconsciousness or admittance to hospital for more that 24 hours Unconsciousness caused by asphyxiation, or exposure to harmful substances Acute illness requiring medical treatment or loss of consciousness as a result of absorption of substances Acute illness as a result of exposure to toxins, or infected materials. Member of public being taken to hospital

Over three-day injury This is described as an injury, which is not major, but results in the injured person being unable to work for a period over more than 3 days.

Disease Examples of occupational diseases associated with the agricultural industry:

Conditions due to the physical demands of work: o Carpal tunnel syndrome – resulting from work involving the use

of hand-held vibrating tools o Hand-arm vibration syndrome – resulting from the use of chain

saws, brush cutters

Infections due to biological agents o Brucellosis – contact with infect animals or their carcasses o Leptospirosis – working in places which are likely to be infested

by rats, work involving contact with bovine animals o Lyme disease – work involving exposure to ticks o Tetanus – contact with soil likely to be contaminated by animals o Orf – contact with sheep or goats o Ringworm – contact with cattle or infected equipment

Conditions due to substances o Poisoning – pesticides o Skin cancer – exposure to mineral oils

Occupational dermatitis – o exposure to strong acids, alkalis e.g. dairy chemicals

Extrinsic alveolitis – includes farmers lung o Exposure to mould, fungi

Dangerous occurrence

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This is where something serious occurs which could have caused death or major injury Plant or equipment making contact with overhead power lines Electrical short circuit causing fire or explosion

WHO DO YOU REPORT TO?

The following information is updated information and has been downloaded from the www.riddor.gov.uk website

The method of reporting, which has been in place since 1996 is being simplified. Reports should not now be sent to your local HSE office but to:

Incident Contact Centre (ICC), Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly, CF83 3GG

Incidents can be reported by telephone, fax, via the Internet, or by post.

The telephone service will be available Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm.

If you use the Internet or telephone service you may not have your own copy of the official reporting forms (2508 and 2508A) - the requirement to keep a record of reported incidents for inspection by visiting officers still remains. To help with this you will be sent a copy of your report and given the chance to correct any errors in it. The new procedure will make reporting easier. It should also improve the quality of the information obtained, allowing for more detailed risk assessments to help HSE and local authorities get a better understanding of trends.

HOW QUICKLY SHOULD THE OCCURRENCES BE REPORTED?

Death or major injury Immediately - using telephone, fax, via the Internet Send in the report form within 10 days if using telephone.

Over 3-day injury Report within 10 days

Disease Report within 10 days

Dangerous Occurrence Telephone, fax, via the Internet - immediately Send in the report form within 10 days if using telephone.

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WHAT FORM MUST BE FILLED IN?

The current form is F2508 and can be found in the centre fold of the ‘Everyone’s guide to RIDDOR 95, which can be obtained from your local HSE office.

If you are reporting an accident and have access to the internet log onto www.riddor.gov.uk and access the report forms from the site. They can then be filled in and sent immediately.

(NB. For the exercise you will be completing later DO NOT use the website version of the form, but obtain the F2508 form from the centre of the RIDDOR 95 booklet, or from your tutor.)

WHAT RECORDS SHOULD BE KEPT

To comply with RIDDOR 95 the employer needs to provide an accident book where employees are able to log any accident which occurs to them in the workplace.

Information recorded should include the date, time and place of the event, personal details of those involved and a brief description of the event or disease. Records can be paper based or held on a computer.

Accident books must be kept for a period of 3 years from the date of the last entry

RIDDOR report forms F2508 detailing incidents that are sent to ICC can be photocopied and kept in files, or the information can be copied into a log book.

If you use the telephone or use the internet to report incidences then copies of the record will be sent to you to file. It may also be necessary to make amendments to the reports.

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RIDDOR – Task 1 1 What do the initials RIDDOR 95 stand for?

R I D D O R 95

2 When do you need to make a report? (there are 4 main occurrences)

3 What groups of people have duties under RIDDOR?

4 Why is the industry required to report work-related accidents?

5 Give the address of the office where you should send a report.

6 Apart from sending a report by post, what other methods can you use to report an occurrence?

7 What records must you keep to comply with RIDDOR and what information should be included?

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8 List 3 major injuries, reportable under the regulations, that could occur on a typical Welsh family farm?

9 Explain the term ‘Dangerous Occurrence’ and give 2 examples.

10 Give 3 examples of agricultural-related diseases which must be reported under the regulations.

11 What is an ‘over 3-day injury’?

12 Are acts of violence reportable under the regulations?

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Task 2

Reporting an accident:

You are required to report an accident in 2 different ways.

1 AS AN EMPLOYEE You are Selwyn Jones, the cowman, who called the emergency services. You are filling in the accident book on behalf of the injured Llewellyn Davies

2 AS AN EMPLOYER You are Gethin Mathias the employer and need to report the accident to the ICC using a RIDDOR report form.

The RIDDOR report form you must use can be found in the RIDDOR 95 Booklet obtainable from your local HSE office.

ACCIDENT SCENARIO

Monday 12 th September 2005

Ystrad Dewi Farm, Carmarthen, SA33 12XX. Tel Number: 012XX 5678XXX

Employer: Mr Gethin Mathias Employee: Llewellyn Davies, 52 years old of The Cottage, Ystrad Dewi Farm

Llewellyn was ploughing Parc y Ffordd when, towards the end of the afternoon (3.33pm), at the furthest, steepest, part of the field, the tractor overturned when the plough was lifted out of the ground.

Llewellyn was thrown out of an open side door and his legs were trapped under the back wheel of the tractor. Selwyn Jones, the cowman, was bringing cows in for milking and witnessed the accident. He quickly went to the scene and called the emergency services; Llewellyn was taken to hospital having broken both legs.

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Example of front cover and pages from an accident book

Book No.

ACCIDENT BOOK

Company Name:

Address:

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FARM SECURITY

Farm security has become more important than ever in recent years as borne out by press reports and statistics from NFU Insurance.

Farm premises can be easy targets for unauthorised access and theft due to their remoteness, lack of staff and lack of security measures.

Attitudes to farm security are having to change, in response to the increasing ‘crime wave’ which is moving out of urban areas, where security and crime prevention is making life more difficult for those people who are responsible for these crimes.

In respect of theft, agriculture is an easy target at present due to the above reasons, the ‘marketability’ of stolen goods and the lack of information held by insurance companies on the identity of plant and machinery.

The NFU Mutual Insurance Society estimates that £80-90 million pounds worth of plant and equipment is stolen from farms every year.

Farm Security issues include:

Unauthorised access Trespass Squatting Theft of livestock and machinery/plant.

FARM SECURITY ISSUES AND MEASURES TO BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES

Unauthorised access to fields and possible trespass, squatting and theft of livestock.

1. Secure the entrances to fields by fitting strong gates, and gateposts with hinges inverted to prevent gates being removed, and locked with strong chains and padlocks to British Standard.

2. Maintain fences, hedges and ditches in good repair and consider using large boulders to block gateways that are infrequently used.

3. Ensure that livestock are well marked with ear tags, tattoos, brands and even boluses with electronic identification. (Some of these are legal requirements under existing Animal Movement Legislation). Take photographs of particularly valuable animals.

* Remember you have a legal obligation to maintain access via Rights of Way and Public Footpaths.

Unauthorised access to Farm yards and Buildings

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1. Signs to state that security measures or guard dogs are in use are an effective deterrent regardless of whether or not they are used. Thieves tend to move on to find premises, which are ‘easier pickings’.

2. Secure locking of farm gates at the roadside whenever premises are left unattended will prevent access but provision has to be made for other services such as the milk tanker and postman. (Do not leave mail unsecured in post-boxes for any length of time or fraudulent use of bank accounts and credit cards could result).

3. Closed circuit television cameras can be bought relatively cheaply nowadays to monitor entrances and can even be set to interrupt television programmes being viewed to disclose someone who stops at the farm entrance.

4. Thieves do not like well lit areas so the use of flood lights with infra red detectors or time switches will act as a deterrent and allow visitors to see and be seen.

5. For extra security then consider the use of intruder alarms.

Theft of Plant Machines and Tools.

1. Keep an inventory of what has been purchased, where and when, along with serial numbers. This can be used during stocktaking or valuation to check that equipment has not been stolen. The information will also be available to give to the police in the event of theft.

2. Mark all the equipment with the name of the farm or postcode in two ways:

Visually in large letters sprayed or painted on Secretively by engraving, stamping, electronic tagging or invisible UV high light pens.

3. Use immobilisers, alarms or tracking devices on plant machinery, which is more valuable and more attractive to thieves.

4. To reduce insurance premiums and make stolen equipment more easy to identify then consider registering plant and equipment with the National Plant and Equipment Register.

5. Smaller plant and machinery should also obviously be securely locked in a building or metal container to physically prevent theft.

* Insurance companies normally have large excesses on the policies of ATV’s when they are not locked securely when not in use.

6. Where there is sufficient value in plant machinery or stock then security guards or regular patrols might be justified.

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FARMWATCH SCHEMES AND ADVICE FROM COMMUNITY SAFETY POLICE OFFICERS

Farmwatch schemes will encourage people in rural areas to be vigilant, and to report anything to the police and other neighbours. It also encourages sharing of specified local knowledge of the community, which is of importance to the police.

Most police constabularies have Community Police Officers who can offer advice and help on farm security.

FARM SECURITY TASK

TASK 1

Using your own farm or the college farm, draw a simple labelled plan of the farmhouse, buildings, roadways and access points

TASK 2

Write a short report of the security measures already in place and the steps that should be taken to improve security.

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MANUAL HANDLING

Incorrect manual handling is a major cause of back, neck and limb problems which, according to the HSE, affect 80% of all those who work in agriculture.

More than one third of over-three-day injuries (to be reported under RIDDOR regulations) reported each year to the HSE are the result of manual handling. Many such injuries can be prevented if people adopt the correct procedure for handling loads. It is not just the weight of objects that are handled, but their size, shape and available grip, and the frequency of the task.

As part of a risk assessment it is useful to complete a separate form for identifying the risks associated with manual handling, if the risk is considered to place the worker at risk of injury.

QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED

Can the manual handling task be avoided by:

Changing work procedures? Rearranging storage areas? Using machinery as alternative procedure?

If the answers to the above are ‘No’, then further information is required.

What is the state of the load to be handled?

Heavy Bulky and of awkward shape Large Liable to shift Has sharp edges Slippery Hot or cold to touch Poor available grip

What does the task involve?

Twisting Reaching Pushing Stooping or bending Lifting above head height Excessive carrying distance Repetition of movement Risk of sudden movement of load Prolonged or frequent physical effort

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Insufficient rest periods

Could the risks be reduced by:

Ordering smaller sizes or weights of the goods? Dividing load into smaller loads? Using packaging material to protect the sharp edges and to compensate for temperature extremes? Using another worker to give assistance? Using some mechanical means such as trolley, front-end loader etc? Changing the procedures? Using PPE? Storing product close to where you use them? Use storage buildings that allow easy access for mechanical handlers?

Has the worker been given training in:

Lifting techniques Use of mechanical aids such as forklift truck, Manitou telescopic handler.

Are there any environmental constraints, which might increase risk factor, and how can they be reduced?

Uneven, slippery floors Poor lighting Space constraints Stairs, steps or ladders to negotiate

Does the operator have any history of muscular or skeletal injuries?

Once these questions have been asked, the task can be assessed as having a High, Medium or Low risk level.

THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH AGRICULTURE

Handling large and small bales of hay Handling bagged products Fitting and handling tractor wheels Lifting oil and chemical containers Handling livestock Tractor weights Using wheel barrows

BASIC RULES

Taken from the HSE booklet ‘Manual handling solutions for farms’

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Place yourself correctly – feet flat to the ground, firmly place, astride the load, keeping your body balanced Keep your back straight Use your leg muscles which are stronger than those in you r back Keep load close to your body and use the weight of your body or the load to help the move. Apply force gradually, after testing the weight, and lift smoothly, rather that using sudden exertion If you can, try to make sure that you handle loads in your to knee to shoulder region – stretching to move very high or low loads are more likely to cause problems

SOLUTIONS

Use levers where possible e.g. to help position machinery to tractor linkages, supporting gates, moving larger items Platforms – straw bales to form a platform for carrying out livestock tasks. Counterbalances – as used on tailgates of trailers

The following pages show correct and incorrect methods of tackling 3 typical manual handling jobs on a farm.

1. Lifting a small bale of hay or straw 2. Lifting a bale of shavings 3. Lifting a 25kg plastic bag

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LIFTING A BALE

INCORRECT CORRECT

INCORRECT: DON’T bend back, lifting from this position

CORRECT METHOD: Stand with leading leg against the bale. Bend knees Keep back straight Grasp nearest string with left hand Right hand grasps the furthest string Use knee to roll the bale as right hand completes the lift.

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LIFTING A BALE OF SHAVINGS An awkward product with plastic wrap which gives a poor grip.

INCORRECT CORRECT

INCORRECT: DON’T bend back, with legs close together.

CORRECT METHOD: Bend knees Keep back straight Lower the body to enable one end of the bale to be lifted off the floor Roll the bale onto its corner Hold close to the body Perform the lift

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LIFTING A 25 Kg PLASTIC BAG

CORRECT

CORRECT METHOD: Keep body balanced Keep back straight Place legs apart Keep weight as near to the body as possible Avoid lifting a bag from the floor

INCORRECT: DON’T carry bags over the shoulder – it can increase the risk of back injury. There is a twisting action involved with the lifting and positioning process, and the fact that the shoulders then have an uneven, unbalanced, load increases the risk of disk problems in the back.

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FARM WASTE MANAGEMENT

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have produced a draft paper called Waste Management Regulations which will apply to agricultural waste in 2005. The regulations may also be referred to as the “Agricultural Waste Regulations” It will be the responsibility of the farmer to take reasonable steps to ensure that waste is kept safe. The DEFRA website http://www.defra.gov.uk/ states that: “Farmers will have to:

Send or take their waste for disposal off-farm at licensed sites;

Register a licensing exemption with the Environment Agency to recycle waste on-farm; or

Apply to the Environment Agency for a Licence to continue on-farm disposal

Unregulated burying and burning of agricultural waste on farms will be prohibited.”

The definition of agricultural waste is ‘waste from premises used for agriculture within the meaning of the Agricultural Act 1947’. Waste being defined as ‘any substance or object … which the holder discards or is required to discard’

Waste can be removed by waste carriers. The Environment Agency describes a ‘Carrier’ as being someone who transports controlled waste in the course of their business or in any other way for profit within Great Britain. Carriers have to register with the Environment Agency and there is no charge for doing this 1 .

Many businesses have already registered to carry farm waste and have issued leaflets giving costs for their services.

Examples of waste and approximate costs incurred for disposal: Plastics - £57.75 per tonne plus VAT Waste oil - £15.50 for 45 gallon drum Lead acid batteries - £3.45 assignment cost plus 0.55p/battery Asbestos - £12.60 per sheet (45p/kg) Tyres - 65p-70p per tyre

References: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/topics/agwaste.htm http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/waste/?lang=_e

1 The Waste Management (England and Wales) Regulations 2005, “The Agricultural Waste Regulations” Question and Answer Brief. Ver. 1.0, 12 Jan 2005

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