How we work / contacts

Inspectors

HSE has a number of operational inspectors and visiting staff who deal with the industry by a range of methods including:

• On-site visits (announced and unannounced).
• Investigation of accidents and complaints.
• Providing guidance and support at visits, by phone or at agricultural events.
• Safety and health awareness days (SHADs).
• Enforcement where necessary.

Agriculture & Food Sector

Head of Sector: Graeme Walker

The Agriculture and Food Sector also takes an active role in dealing with the industry and other key stakeholders including:

• Working with key industry stakeholders to improve health and safety
• Providing support, advice and guidance at a national level to HSE's operational inspectors.
• Developing strategies and projects for agriculture to contribute to meeting the Governments Revitalising H&S and PSA targets
• Monitoring the health and safety performance of the industry.
• Working with national and European bodies in the development of standards (CEN. BSI, etc.).
• Producing guidance to the industry.

The Agricultural and Food Sector is made up of three sections

Health and Education Section

Head of Section: Richard Morgan

Responsible for pesticides, veterinary medicines, use of chemicals, MSD, work-related stress, asbestos, asthmagens and dusts, noise, biological agents (zoonoses), development of occupational health and rehabilitation support in agriculture, development of education and vocational training in agriculture.

Safety Section

Head of Section: Alan Plom

Responsible for transport safety (including tractor cab approvals), agricultural and horticultural machinery (both fixed and mobile), falls from height, farm electrical safety. The section is also responsible for child safety, livestock safety, agricultural buildings, fire safety, stacking of bales and other materials, confined spaces, effluent storage, whole body vibration (WBV), chainsaw use (including training), mobile woodchippers and takes the lead on Agricultural and Aboriculture Safety Awareness Days (SAD's).

Employment, Policy and Strategy Section

Head of Section: Samantha Peace

Responsible for employment issues including temporary, casual and migrant working, policy and contingency planning issues (e.g. Avian Influenza) and the development and management of the Sector's planning, research and communications strategies.

Agriculture Industry Advisory Committee (AIAC)

The Agriculture Industry Advisory Committee (AIAC) advises the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on the protection of people at work (and others) from hazards to health and safety within the agriculture industry.

Its membership is tripartite, providing representation from key industry stakeholders (including SMEs). Its strategic work helps the industry deliver HSE targets and helps to secure close links between the industry and HSE.

AIAC was reconstituted in 2005, with a wider membership and a new approach. The new approach reflects the desire of HSE to work in partnership with intermediary groups in the agriculture, to take forward the new HSE Strategy.

In partnership with HSE, the Committee has developed a plan of work in support of the new HSE Strategy and Agriculture Revisited to promote a reduction in the number of deaths in the farming industry in the longer term and prompt changes in behaviour and culture.

The AIAC has six project groups:

• Arboriculture and Forestry Advisory Group (AFAG)
• Transport and Machinery Project Group
• Vulnerable Workers Project Group
• Training and Education Project Group
• Gathering Intelligence about Behavious, Attitudes and Cultures Project Group
• Livestock Project Group

The Chair of AIAC is Marcia Davies, HSE’s Director of Operational Strategy Division (OPSTD).

• Agriculture industry advisory committee