A revised version of the ‘Code of Practice for Preventing Injury and Occupational Ill-Health in Agriculture’ (farm safety Code of Practice) has been published by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).
The original code was first published 11 years ago in 2006. It consisted of a general guidance document, a risk assessment document, a Safe System of Work Plan (SSWP) document and a DVD.
The revised code now comprises of just two documents – a general guidance document and a working risk assessment document – and it performs the same function as the original, the HSA explained.
It has been developed to reflect technical progress in the sector, as well as changes in farming practice, equipment and accident trends, the HSA added.
There are updated references to legislation and guidance, updated imagery and a section on how to understand and use new chemical symbols. There are also new recommendations and approaches to farm building maintenance.
‘The cornerstone of farm safety’
The farm safety Code of Practice is the cornerstone of farm safety, health and well-being, the Chief Executive of the HSA, Martin O’Halloran, said.
When the HSA set out to revise it, the aim was to make it more reflective of modern farming, O’Halloran added.
We also wanted to make it easier for farmers to use. The revised code focuses in on the most common hazards and provides workable solutions that can be put in place with minimal-to-zero cost.
Meanwhile, Teagasc also collaborated closely with the HSA on this revised code, according to its director Gerry Boyle.
It was important that whatever came out of the process was an improvement on the existing code, he explained.
“This update has definitely achieved that and it will be of huge benefit to educators and advisors in the farming sector.”
It is hoped that the revised code – which will be available on the HSA’s website – will help farmers meet their duties under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. It is scheduled to come into operation on Saturday, July 1.
The old version is expected to be phased out over a period of 18 months.