Agri-businesses will now be able to carry out risk assessments and create their own safety statements with a free online safety tool called BeSmart.ie

It is an updated version of the current tool and is targeted specifically at agri-businesses.

This new version now meets the needs of a range of agri-businesses including farm advisors, equestrian centres, horticulturists and slurry contractors.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) developed the tool and it’s aimed at reducing accidents and saving costs.

All employers, including small businesses and the self-employed, are legally obliged to have a written health and safety document known as a safety statement.

The aim is to help small businesses develop their own safety statement and to contribute to a culture of safety and health in their workplaces.

With over 30,000 registered users, BeSMART.ie is growing constantly and is now available for the agri-business sector for the first time.

Speaking about the new BeSMART.ie Agribusiness tool, Minister for Business and Employment, Ged Nash, said that agri-businesses will benefit greatly from having access to a free and easy-to-use resource that will help keep them and their employees safer and healthier.

“It’s a great example of an innovative offering from the public sector that saves enterprises time and money.

“The agri-business sector now has access to the benefits already enjoyed by thousands of other small businesses in the retail, hospitality, service, manufacturing and construction sectors.”

Martin O’Dea, Senior Inspector with the Health and Safety Authority, said that through the BeSMART.ie tool the HSA is providing ways for agri-businesses to reduce costs while encouraging them to take ownership and control of safety and health management in their business.

Evidence suggests that the average cost of using a third party to develop a safety statement can be up to €1,500.

“BeSMART.ie can save an employer at least this amount directly and contribute to an improved culture of safety and health in their businesses.”