HORTICULTURE BLITZ TARGETS GROWERS IN YORKSHIRE

HSE press release E186:03 - 24 September 2003

Horticulture sites from Leeds to Hull can expect an inspector to call during October to inspect their workplaces.

The health and safety inspections start a year-long programme aiming to reduce accidents and ill health in the agricultural sector. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors will be paying particular attention to workplace transport, falls from height, manual handling, welfare facilities and the provision of information, instruction and training for workers engaged in seasonal harvesting activities.

Rosemary Bricis, the health and safety inspector organising the blitz, said: "Checks are being made to ensure that adequate precautions are taken by employers to protect the health and safety of all workers, including those employed for only a few months during the year.

"We are particularly keen to see what arrangements growers have in place to ensure casual and overseas workers, some of whom may not speak English well, are given the necessary information, instruction and training to understand the risks and precautions required to do their work safely.

"Although inspectors will offer help and advise, we will not hesitate in taking enforcement action to deal with matters of evident concern which could affect the safety of workers or any other person."

During the visits inspectors will also check safety issues such as glasshouse repairs, use of chemicals and safety of accommodation provided for workers on site.

The blitz is the latest in Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire's rolling programme aimed at raising the health and safety standards for all agriculture workers.

Keith King, principal HSE Inspector, who is leading the team, said: "Agriculture remains a hazardous industry - nationally 38 people were killed working in it during 2002/03. The persistently high fatal accident rate means that agriculture is a priority sector under the Health and Safety Commission's Revitalising Health and Safety (RHS) initiative.

"Our previous blitzes, at farms in Leeds and North Lincs, produced some very positive outcomes and we are hoping this pattern will be repeated."

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