Health & Safety
Introduction
Concordia has prepared this document to help ensure that you live and work safely in the UK so please read it carefully. You must always look after your own safety and be careful not to endanger other people.
In the UK, both employers and employees have a legal responsibility to abide by health and safety rules. This means that you must be careful about health and safety when you are in the UK. There is probably a greater emphasis on health and safety in the UK then there is in your country.
Safety information on your farm
By law your employer must give you health and safety information when you first start your placement. This is likely to be part of your training and induction in the first few days. If you don’t understand a job or think it is dangerous, ask your manager.
There will be health and safety notices posted in your farm. You should find out where these are when you first arrive on site. There will be people who are responsible for First Aid and certain people you must contact in the event of an emergency and you must make sure you know who they are. When an accident happens you need to know what to do, who to report it to, who to call for first aid and where the First Aid point is situated.
On your work placement there may be a number of hazards you are not familiar with. A hazard is anything that can cause harm. You will be expected to work safely and this includes making sure that you work in such a way that you do not create hazards for other people. This includes unwanted debris which could cause someone to trip over or slip. Clear up any spillages.
If you feel ill at any point you should inform a responsible person on the farm.
Gas and electricity in your accommodation will have been checked by a qualified gas and electricity engineer. It is your responsibility not to use any equipment which is obviously damaged and report it to a member of staff.
Fire
Do not remove the batteries from smoke alarms. There are ‘fire blankets’ in the kitchen, be aware how they should be used and do not tamper with them.
Find out where the fire instructions are on your farm. You should check the notices to learn where the fire extinguishers are located in your accommodation, what you must do in the event of a fire, where the fire escape is and where the assembly point is. Fire escapes should never be blocked. If a fire breaks out, sound the alarm. Do not try to extinguish a fire unless it is small, you have been trained to fight a fire AND it is safe to do so. Otherwise, leave the building or location of the fire. Once a fire is started, the best way to avoid injury is for people to get away from the location. For this reason, an evacuation should be quick. Always leave the workplace immediately when the alarm is sounded.
Lifting
Lifting weights is always a hazard. It becomes a high risk if you lift weights on your own or if you are not careful about your lifting technique. The risk is greater if you are standing on an uneven surface when lifting. If you have to lift weights frequently there is a risk of back injury but this is not the only health risk caused by lifting weights.
Don’t try to lift anything unless you know how heavy it is. To lift heavy weights bend your knees and keep your back straight. Be careful about lifting awkwardly shaped objects.
Using machinery
You may be asked to operate machinery during your work placement. You will certainly be working close to machinery. Only use machinery when you have been properly trained and with permission from the farmer. The way to operate machinery safely is not always obvious. Be aware that it is dangerous to take shortcuts when operating machinery. Some machinery will have protective guards to protect the user. Do not remove these. You should not wear loose clothing or jewellery when operating machinery and long hair should be tied back as it may get caught.
If a piece of machinery appears to be damaged then you should report it to your employer immediately.
Electricity
Only use electrical equipment with UK plugs. If you have brought things form home buy an adaptor. The main type of harm from electricity is electric shock. Only use electrical equipment that you have been trained to use. When electrical equipment overheats, this can result in burns or fire. Overloading of electrical equipment can cause it to explode. You should carry out a visual check of electrical equipment before using it. If electrical equipment you are working with appears damaged then report it to your employer immediately. Damaged equipment should not be used until it has been repaired by a trained person. A sticker will show when an item was last tested.
Vehicles
Tractors and accidents involving tractors are the biggest cause of harm in agriculture. There are likely to be vehicles operating near where you are working and these may well be the biggest hazard for you to be aware of. Vehicles and pedestrians will be separated where possible. There may be designated areas for people and you should ensure that you stay in these areas when walking around the farm. Be aware of any moving vehicles and pay particular attention to those that reversing. Vehicles carrying goods should have them properly secured.
Only employees with the correct licences will be allowed to drive a vehicle. You must ensure that you do not drive a vehicle at work without the authorisation of the farmer and the right licence. Don’t ride on vehicles with friends unless you are allowed and there are seats.
As vehicles travel on the left hand side of the road in UK, please be extra careful to look in the right direction when crossing the road. It will take a while for this to become a natural reaction. Also, if you are riding bicycles take extra care. Cyclists are not clearly visible to cars so wear bright or light clothing and perhaps a helmet. It is a criminal offence to cycle after drinking excessive alcohol.
Driving
You should only drive a vehicle if you have the correct licence and with the authorisation of the farmer. If you are driving a tractor make sure that you carry out checks on the safety of the tractor, and any other machine you are using, before you start.
Protective clothing
Employers will provide protective clothing for you. If you are provided with gloves please make sure you wear them. Some plants can cause rashes and be harmful to your skin. If you realise that your skin has been affected in any way, please inform your supervisor immediately.
Working in the sun and hot weather
Please be aware of the risks of working outside in sunny weather. The temperature may not be too hot, but the risk of sun burn may be high. Keep your skin well covered, wear a hat that provides shade to your face and neck and put on plenty of protective sun cream. When it is hot make sure you drink plenty of water to prevent you from getting dehydrated.
Chemicals
Farms may have stocks of hazardous chemicals or fertilisers which can cause harm to your health. Stay well away from these unless you have been authorised by the farmer. Only trained and authorised people are allowed to use many of the chemicals used on farms. Remember, the chemicals may be harmful even if you do not touch them; they may be harmful through inhalation.
Don’t drink anything you find on the farm even if it looks like a soft drink.
Warning signs for chemicals:
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| Chemical burns |
Environmental
hazard |
Explosive |
Inflammable |
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| Toxic |
Oxidises with air |
Irritant |
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