The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) is set to begin a series of telephone and virtual agriculture contractors advisory appointments focusing on how health and safety is currently managed while contractors are on site.
The move to a virtual platform comes as a direct response to the unprecedented circumstances brought about as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Beginning this month, HSENI is offering agricultural contractors the opportunity to speak with a health and safety business adviser by telephone or if preferred a video call can be organised using a virtual communication platform. HSENI can make all the necessary arrangements to set up either call.
HSENI Agriculture Principal Inspector Camilla Mackey said:
Over recent years our annual programme of advisory visits to agricultural contractors has been extremely well received and has attracted positive feedback. Here at HSENI we want to continue to drive the industry to improve their safety standards.
“Agricultural contractors should have extremely robust controls in place to ensure the safety of themselves, their employees and the farmer and the family they are working for, there is no excuse for complacency.
“Despite the challenges we have all faced this year, HSENI is determined to continue this advisory programme for agricultural contractors.
I would strongly encourage contractors working in the agricultural sector to take a few minutes to contact HESNI and arrange an appointment, you will find this an extremely useful experience.
HSENI advisers will be proactively making contact with agriculture contractors over the coming months to offer this free service.
