Unannounced inspections to target vehicle deaths on NI farms
© Tim Scrivener Health and safety officials are set to embark on an eight-month programme of farm inspections across Northern Ireland to reduce fatal accidents
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (Hseni) says workplace-based transport inspections will start from August and continue until March 2024.
Incidents involving vehicles and equipment remain one the biggest causes of death and serious injury on local farms.
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Over the past decade, 17 people lost their lives on NI farms due to accidents involving vehicles.
Camilla Mackey, Hseni principal inspector for agriculture and Food, said older farmers or young children were sometimes involved in farm accidents, with tragic consequences.
“We have seen serious incidents involving vehicles as a result of inoperable or faulty braking systems, the lack of roll over protection, poor maintenance, failing to keep people and vehicles apart, and inadequate driver training,” she added.
“While we have been working closely with the farming community on a range of issues, this scheme is focused on workplace transport in three specific risk areas – safe site, safe vehicle and safe driver.”
Farmers must also consider the safety of visitors to their site – for example, veterinary services, Daera staff, agricultural deliveries and collections, and contractors, she added.
Hseni inspectors will be providing information and advice during the inspections.
Where significant risks are found, inspectors may take enforcement action to achieve compliance with health-and-safety legislation to ensure risks are properly managed.