How we work

Inspectors

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

• Onsite 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

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

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

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

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.