10 May 2004 - Targeted Inspection Campaign (TIC) Begins Today in Yorkshire
A team of HSE agriculture inspectors will begin a Targeted Inspection Campaign (TIC) today focusing on the Harrogate and surrounding areas for a period of one month. The TIC will also incorporate a range of other initiatives such as Safety Awareness Days for farmers and arboriculture clients and educational and promotional work in conjunction with groups such as Young Farmers, Agricultural Colleges and the Countryside Foundation for Education.
Charlie Callis, HSE Inspector organising the campaign commented:
“Our objective is to raise the profile of the dangers associated with working at height, safe use of agricultural vehicles, grassland harvesting equipment, livestock and manual handling and child safety. We want to send out a strong message to those in control of agricultural activities, including farmers and contractors, that failure to adequately assess the risks and control hazards can result in death, serious injuries and ill health."
Keith King, Principal Inspector of the Agriculture group, Leeds also commented:
"The
number of deaths and injuries on farms is still unacceptably high.
Last year we had one fatal accident in Yorkshire. In October 2003 a
self employed farmer in Thirsk was killed when he fell through a fragile
roof onto a concrete floor and last June a 21 year old employee of an
agricultural contractor lost his right arm whilst clearing a blockage in a
forage harvester on a farm near Otley.
Our campaign will concentrate on these matters, work involving repairs to
agricultural buildings and control of asbestos as well as child safety. We
will deal strongly with poor standards and take enforcement action if
necessary but we are also looking to identify and promote good practice
where and when we find it.”
