The Health and Safety Authority has launched a free short online course entitled ‘Farm Safely with Slurry’ aimed at farmers.
The short course provides farmers with an opportunity to increase their awareness of the dangers associated with slurry and how to prevent accidents occurring to themselves and to others.
Drowning and gas poisoning are two major health and safety problems associated with slurry, and children and the elderly are at particular risk.
Chief Executive, Martin O’Halloran said in 2014 there were 30 fatalities in the agriculture sector and this represented roughly 55% of all work related deaths in 2014.
“With the slurry spreading season underway farmers need to raise their awareness levels and remain vigilant to the risks involved in spreading slurry.”
The online course is a mixed media production delivered by video. Expert interviews are provided by Pat Griffin, HSA Senior Inspector Agriculture, and by Dr Shane Farrelly, Occupational Physician.
On successful completion of this 30 minute course farmers will be able to:
- Identify the best times and conditions for spreading slurry;
- Recognise the need to plan ahead and make appropriate preparations to work safely;
- Recognise the dangers associated with slurry;
- Implement the appropriate control measures to prevent accidents when working with slurry;
- Find farm safety information available from the Health and Safety Authority.
Education Manager with the HSA, Joanne Harmon said farmers can access this short course online, free of charge in their own homes and in their own time.
“You can visit and revisit the course at any stage to ensure you remain up to speed on best practice and fully aware of the risks involved in spreading slurry.”
To view the course visit the HSA website.