Farmers are urged to avail themselves of a free online risk assessment system designed to enhance farm safety and reduce risk in a joint appeal by the Health & Safety Authority, the Irish Farmers Association and FBD Insurance.
The online tool has reportedly proven very popular with farmers and has attracted hundreds of hits since its pilot program in March. The system allows farmers to complete their farm safety statements in a user-friendly fashion, and is the first of its kind for the agricultural sector in the world.
The new system also allows farmers to keep their risk assessment statements up to date to ensure farm families carry out their work in the safest possible way. Martin O’Halloran, chief executive of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) said, “Improving safety and health in agriculture continues to represent one of our biggest challenges. By working together we can greatly raise safety standards and reduce farm accidents. (WCxKit)
“We believe this free online risk assessment tool will assist farmers in making their farms safer places to work and live for themselves, their children and their families. It has been developed with support from FBD, and with the knowledge that Irish farmers are recognized as European leaders when it comes to adopting new technologies. We are delighted that the IFA are supporting us in re-launching this on-line tool.”
IFA President John Bryan said the promotion of the online system was timely as activity on farms significantly increases during the summer and children are on their school holidays. “Farmers have embraced technology in many facets of their work and I have no doubt this online tool will continue to be a success. Farms are unique workplaces with a combination of livestock, machinery and family members young and old. My advice to farmers is to prioritize health and safety as it is one of the most important aspects of their work. (WCxKit)
“I would encourage farmers to undertake their own farm risk assessment and produce a farm safety statement as it is time well spent and will help avoid the anguish that follows a farm accident,” he concluded.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.
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