19 October 2004 - Pesticides Incident Report for 2003/04 Published by HSE
A total of 66 enforcement notices, with 78 contraventions by the HSE inspectors under legislation were issued for pesticides during the year and 8 Informations were laid before the courts, averaging a fine of £1,824 compared with £1,250 average for 2002/03.
The largest category of incidents investigated were the complaints arising from spray-drift from agricultural pesticides, which has also been the case in previous years. These allegations from the public, highlighted the need for spraying not to be done when wind speed was too high and notification to be given to neighbours prior to intended spraying. These allegations figured prominently in the report, with some of the case studies focusing on them. User competence and training and pesticide storage and spillage were also given attention.
Doctor Roger Nourish, HSE's Head of Agriculture and Food Sector commented:
"The figures do fluctuate from year to year but there was a general fall in the number of allegations of ill health in the period 1995/96 to 2000/01. Over the last three years the numbers have reached a plateau at about 60 cases per year.
"Our investigations often reveal wholly unacceptable arrangements for the storage of pesticides. The case studies in this report clearly show that inspectors are prepared to prosecute without prior warning when serious contraventions are discovered. So make sure that all pesticides are kept in a suitable secure store."
The full report can be found on the HSE webpage by clicking the following link: HSE Health and Safety in the Agriculture Industry
Article by Alexandra Johnston
