The NAAC and NFU have collaborate to produce a safety checklist to help farmers and contractors work more safely and efficiently together.
As part of the Farm Safety Partnership, the NAAC and NFU are working with other industry organisations to improve the safety record in farming.
The NAAC says it’s vital that contractors and farmers have a close relationship, not only to make the partnership a financial and productive success, but also to keep everyone safe and the new checklist offers a useful tool to support this.
“Contractors are now relied upon by many farms to provide a skilled labour force and high-tech machinery,” says chief executive, Jill Hewitt. “It’s essential that everyone works together to exchange local information to make the job run smoothly, avoid public nuisance and keep staff, families and the public safe.
“It’s often difficult to separate business requirements, environmental concerns and safety as all tend to be interlinked and the new checklist aims to draw together the vital elements of a successful and safe contractor-farmer relationship.”
Keeping safe
Checklist priorities include providing clear access points and one-way systems, as well as ensuring contractors have a written health and safety policy.
NFU vice president David Exwood adds: “Farmers and agricultural contractors work closely together on a day-to-day basis, and this new checklist is a great tool to ensure that the whole industry is working together to help everyone remain safe.
“This checklist is about improving the working relationship between farmers and contractors by making small changes to reduce the risk of accidents, while also improving efficiency and productivity.”
The Partnership Checklist can be found on the NAAC website: www.naac.co.uk here.
