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28 January 2005 - HSE Inspections Tackling
Occupational Health Risks to Farmers
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A programme of random inspections was carried out by Health and
Safety Executive (HSE) Inspectors in the North East of Scotland recently, which
revealed not only potential problems arising from Muskuloskeletal Disorders (MSD),
but also the incorrect use of "non-toxic particle" face masks, which provide no
protection at all against grain dust.
Some of the advice given by the HSE Inspectors on face masks to
farmers is:
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Check that face masks are marked with BSEN 149.
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An FFP2 mask is suitable for most jobs, but higher protective
masks, namely FFP3, may be required for other jobs.
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Carry out a face fit test to provide correct protection from
dust.
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HSE advise suppliers of RPE masks to assist with face fit tests.
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Farmers to ask suppliers for information and assistance with
face fit tests.
During the visits, HSE Inspectors highlighted the need to leave
materials in good condition containing asbestos undisturbed, but to monitor it's
condition. They also provided information on damaged asbestos and
the precautions necessary to deal with it. However, Inspectors
pointed out that competent contractors were necessary for more complex asbestos
work.
The Inspectors found that some farmers in Scotland had prepared
a register for good management of the asbestos, which seminars such as the
recent event in North Yorkshire and Cleveland also covered.
HSE Inspector who organised the Yorkshire event commented:
"Agriculture is unique in that vulnerable groups such as
children and elderly people form part of the farming community and figure
regularly in the statistics for serious injuries and deaths on farms. It is
imperative that children are not exposed to workplace hazards and that older
people make a reasonable assessment of their physical and technical capabilities
before carrying out work on the farm.
"The hope is that the lessons learned from this event will be
passed on to staff working on the farms and businesses managed by the
participants, improving safety for workers and reducing the number of injuries
and fatalities."
As is widely known, farmers have a very high risk of
occupational health risks compared with other industries, which the HSE are
addressing by means of seminars highlighting areas such as management of
asbestos, working at height and workplace transport.
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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