THE Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) is set to begin a series of telephone and virtual advisory appointments for agriculture contractors, focusing on how health and safety is currently managed whilst 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 agriculture 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: “Agricultural contractors should have extremely robust controls in place to ensure the safety of themselves, their employees and the farmer and their 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.

Agricultural contractors wishing to directly arrange an advisory call to discuss health and safety, or who would like more information on the initiative, should contact Deirdre Goan at 0772 0036 472, or e-mail deirdre.goan@hseni.gov.uk.

Meawhile, the ABP summer podcast for farm families is continuing, with the latest one also on the theme of 'farm accidents' presented by broadcaster, Mary Kennedy.

In the podcast, the TV and radio broadcaster talks to the international para-archer Kerrie Leonard, who was paralysed at the age of six; Pat Griffin, Senior Inspector with the Health and Safety Authority; and Alma Jordan, founder of AgriKids, who talks about the importance of educating children on the issue.

The statistics in the Republic of Ireland reflect the seriousness of the issue across the island, that was highlighted by a joint ministerial statement in June.

Further episodes of the podcast will examine rural life during the pandemic, and reducing emissions in dairy beef.

All podcast episodes can be accessed in Northern Ireland at https://abpfoodgroup.com/about-us/podcast/, and also on Spotify, Google, Apple Podcasts, Podcast Addict, Castbox and other podcast platforms.

ABP is an affiliate member of the farm safety partnership, and a 2020 Business in the Community ‘Responsible Business Champion.’