Shetland’s farmers and crofters are urged to attend safety event

Date:

10 June 2008

Release No:

HSE/SCO/093/08

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) urges Shetland’s crofters and farmers to attend a Safety Awareness Day in Lerwick on Wednesday 2 July.

HSE will hold an event on Shetland  - which has been planned specifically for those working on crofts and small farms.  The event is very practical and hands on with real-life scenarios being acted out on the day. There will be 6 scenarios each lasting approximately 15-20 minutes. 

It is a great opportunity for Shetland’s farmers and crofters to not only be reminded of good practice on issues such as manual handling, animal handling,  tractor and child safety, problems with dust, work at height, and use of quad bikes (ATV’S)  but it will also allow the local farming community to come together and to share their own experiences.  This event is free, and will be held both in the afternoon and repeated in the early evening for those who cannot attend in the afternoon.  Free refreshments will be provided at each event, hot soup and a filled roll.

Most of the short scenarios are presented by LANTRA trainers who themselves are working farmers. HSE staff will be on hand to answer any questions and to give advice when requested. 

Those unfortunate enough not to have received an invite and would like to attend, please contact Nikki Jack on the contact numbers below.

Events will be held on Wednesday 2nd July from 13:00pm – 16:00pm and again between 16:30 – 19:30pm at Shetland marts Co-operative, Stanleyhill Road, Lerwick.

Public enquiries

Call HSE's InfoLine, Tel: 08701 545500,
or write to: HSE InfoLine, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG.

Press enquiries (Journalists only)

• HSE Inspector Lawrence Murray is available for interview prior to the event and on the day of the event in Shetland – please contact Katy Jeffrey 0131 244 9062.
• Press wishing to attend the safety events contact Nikki Jack: 0131 247 2109
• Press enquiries on this press notice contact Katy Jeffrey: 0131 244 9062
• Information on HSE in Scotland can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/scotland.

HSE information and press releases can be accessed on the Internet: http://www.hse.gov.uk/

Issued on behalf of HSE by COI News and PR Scotland: 0131 244 9062 www.coi.gov.uk