Feed blocks – supply of ‘intermediate’ weight products to end

Summary

Livestock feed block suppliers have agreed to stop selling intermediate weight feed block products by 1 January 2009. The decision follows discussions between a Working Group of the Agricultural Industries Confederation’s (AIC) Premixture and Mineral Feed Committee and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Background

The 2003/04 self-reported work-related injury survey showed that the prevalence rates for musculo-skeletal disorders were significantly higher for agriculture than for other industries such as general manufacturing and construction. 

A significant contribution towards reducing MSD’s in agriculture may be achieved by reducing these risks at source.  Manufacturers and suppliers can contribute towards this objective by influencing the supply of packaged goods on to farms, and at the same time achieve compliance with their legal duties under Section 6 of The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

Following an initial approach to the AIC by HSE, the AIC Premixture and Mineral Feed Committee formed a working group to look at proposals to reduce the weight of animal feed blocks supplied to farmers. These products had been identified by HSE as being potentially high risk for MSDs.  
The group received technical input from HSE and the Executive’s Health and Safety Laboratory to ensure that ergonomic and legal considerations were met.

Outcome

Agreement has now been reached that will see the elimination of those products considered to create the biggest risk, namely those feed blocks in the weight range of 26 to 79 Kg (sometimes referred to as intermediate weight products) supplied or manufactured by the members of the working group.  Members have agreed to implement the following outcomes:

1. The withdrawal from the market of intermediate weight products, in the weight range 26 to 79kg.  A period of two years (until 1 January 2009) has been permitted to allow this action to be completed.
2. Following this withdrawal period, a further year will be allowed for existing stocks to be used up by customers such as livestock farmers.
3. Larger, heavier products, typically in the weight range of 80 to 100 kg or above, will continue to be available but are to carry prominent warnings reminding users that they are suitable for mechanical handling only.