ISLE OF WIGHT FARMERS MEET THE CHALLENGE

HSE press release E209:03 - 17 October 2003

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) blitz on 100 Isle of Wight farms in the summer is being followed up by a brand new initiative to help farmers deal with some of the immediate practical issues, starting on Monday.

Initially seven courses will be run over the next two months aimed at improving the operator skills of fork lift truck (telescopic handlers) and all terrain vehicle (Quad Bike) operators, as a direct response to HSE's findings of an apparent lack of trained workers on the Island's farms.

To make the training more relevant the courses will be run on farms and using the farmers' own equipment.

Charles Gilby, HSE's lead Inspector for the Isle of Wight said, " I have been pleasantly surprised by, and would like to commend, the level of commitment and support provided to run these courses by the farmers of the Island.

"They have clearly recognised the need for training not only to comply with the law but also, and more importantly, to protect their workers and the general public from risks they create. This is a very diverse rural area that faces many challenges, including being busy with tourists who are encouraged by farmers providing accommodation and selling food direct. This makes good management of health and safety absolutely crucial."

HSE has been working in collaboration with The Isle of Wight College, the National Farmers Union and The Isle of Wight Economic Partnership to run financially subsidised agricultural health and safety training on the Island.

Mr Gilby added: "The take-up of the courses has been excellent. All the current places been fully booked and we are making plans to organise more courses to run next year. Obviously we will vary the topics to suit the farmers' needs and we are keen to receive ideas from the industry on what they perceive as the highest priority.

"No-one needs reminding that this is a further approach to try to significantly improve the safety of this high risk industry which HSE has highlighted as a very poor performer. The course are heavily subsidised to encourage their uptake, and using local farming land means that it will provide realistic opportunities to challenge current work practices.

"Obviously if there were to be a tailing off of their commitment not only would the Island lose this valuable resource, but individual farmers are likely to be required to send staff to the mainland and bear the full economic cost of training.

"I am very encouraged that the farming community have turned their thoughts towards handling health and safety, but I would remind them, from my own experiences, that the alternative is too horrendous for them to contemplate."

Notes to editors

1. The Isle of Wight based Health and Safety courses for agricultural workers will take place from 20 October, and continue through to the end of November 2003. This inspection initiative is part of the HSE's nationwide programme to reduce the number of deaths and injuries in agriculture and forestry. A range of information is available on the HSE website http://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/

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