Aim

The aim of Aquaculture (fish farming) SHADs are to raise standards of management and reduce injuries and ill health by improving attendees:

• Understanding of the legal framework within aquaculture;
• Recognition of industry good practice;
• Understanding of the principles of risk assessment methods deployed in aquaculture.

Justification

Fish farming continues to be high risk work in remote, geographically isolated and climatically harsh locations, predominantly in Scotland. The major causation of fatalities is drowning.  The fish farming industry is a significant employer and contributor to the Scottish economy and leading companies and trade bodies – together with other organisations, eg Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA), RNLI, etc - are committed to this approach to put over practical messages to the industry.  This approach has also been endorsed by the Partnership for Health and Safety in Scotland (PHASS) and developed in association with the Aquaculture Health and Safety Group.

Audience / Industry

The intended audience is primarily managers and owners of fish farms – in Scotland only.  They are invited because they are in an ideal position to improve standards of individual business and operative performance by setting standards and ensuring work is carried out safely.  Invitees are to be selected from two lists of aquaculture companies, one held by HSE Scotland and the other held by the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB).

Messages

The key messages delivered through interactive practical demonstrations at Aquaculture SHADs are:

• Work at fish farms is high risk and can be extremely dangerous;
• The financial & social cost of an accident to all those involved should not be underestimated;
• Good health & safety management is good for business;
• Risks can never be completely eliminated but they can be successfully managed;
• Good & effective communication between all those involved is essential.

Activities required

This discretionary work item only applies to FOD Scotland. The concept of fish farming SHADs was developed and delivered in February 2009 by FOD Scotland in close cooperation with the Ag & Food Sector, and run in partnership with the industry. Further SHADs may be delivered in 2009/10 after evaluation, subject to available resource in Scotland and in agreement with the industry. 

The proposed location for a SHAD in 2009/10 is Shetland. In accordance with the FOD guidance, at least one full inspection of a fish farming business who did not attend a SHAD (despite being invited) should be carried out.

Timing

Following evaluation of the 2008/9 Oban SHAD and assuming a satisfactory response from the industry, the SHAD proposed in Shetland will take place in 2009/10 - date and venue to be arranged in consultation with the industry stakeholders.

Further information and contact

Further information is available from Simon Parry, Ag and Food Sector. Tel: 01905 743600 email simon.parry@hse.gsi.gov.uk

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