Minister Heydon Launches Farm Construction and Work at Height Safety video
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Farm Safety, Martin Heydon T.D. launched a video ‘Farm Construction and Work at Height’ at the Beef2024 Open Day in Teagasc, Grange today, Wednesday, 26th June.
“Teagasc strongly recognises the importance of farmers taking the time to plan work around farm construction and tasks that involves work at heights."
The video was produced by Teagasc health and safety specialist advisors in association with FBD Insurance and the Farm Safety Partnership advisory committee to the Health and Safety Authority.
The video focuses on approaches to safely manage on-farm construction and farm maintenance projects. The production is part of a ‘Managing Farm Health and Safety’ series of 18 videos which outline best practice for farm health and safety topics.
Speaking at the launch of the video, Minister Heydon said: “There are a number of important considerations when it comes to health and safety around farm construction projects and working at height. This video not only clearly highlights the hazards, but also provides practical tips and advice for farmers on managing safety during construction work and work at heights on the farm. It also emphasises the importance of using competent skilled contractors who have appropriate training, equipment and methods to carry out the work safely.”
Teagasc Director, Professor Frank O’Mara stated; “Teagasc strongly recognises the importance of farmers taking the time to plan work around farm construction and tasks that involves work at heights. This video will be an excellent resource to help farmers understand their responsibilities associated with management of safety during farm construction, or work at height. It will also be an excellent resource for Teagasc advisors and educators to help them highlight the importance of safety management to farmers during this work.”
Ciaran Roche, FBD Risk Manager commented; “On farm construction and work at height are high risk activities. Advanced planning is very important together with ensuring only trained, skilled and competent people with the correct equipment carry out the task.”
Martina Gormley, Inspector for Farm Safety at the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) welcomed the launch of this important video and encouraged all farmers to view and consider its content in relation to their work practices. Martina stated; “The Health and Safety Authority has reported that 24 people lost their lives on Irish farms over the last 10 years linked to falls from heights. This video highlights the responsibility farmers have to manage safety during farm construction and when working at a height. It also provides information on when farmers must legally appoint a Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP) and Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS). By appointing a Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP) and Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS) it passes on the responsibilities of the safety management of the project to them. It helps to reduce the likelihood of accidents on projects. Making these appointments helps to protect farmers against possible prosecution in the event of an accident during an on-farm construction project.
Links to the Construction video www.teagasc.ie/farmsafetyvideos
Additional information
Link to how_to_make_construction_appointments_for_your_farm_-_guidance.pdf (hsa.ie)
Link to FBD-Build-in-Safety-Booklet.pdf