Vehicle movements, contractors, people working alone and use of hazardous substances are just some of the factors which can make poultry farms a potentially dangerous place to work.
In my role as an NFU Mutual Risk Management Consultant, I help a wide range of businesses run their operations safely. And there is no doubt in my mind that making safe working practises a priority not only reduces the likelihood of accidents – it can also reduce downtime from minor mishaps and improve the performance of the farm.
Add to this the threat of prosecution for non-compliance with health and safety legislation and it is easy to see how the costs of a serious incident could cripple your business.
At NFU Mutual Risk Management Services, we understand that being an employer brings its own share of risks and responsibilities. We offer a range of health and safety services to businesses to help them identify and minimise the risks and comply with legislation.
Our approach is to work with individual businesses to identify the particular risks on their premises and work with management and workers to identify the best ways to manage the risks.
There are, however, common hazards which are found in most poultry businesses and the guide below outlines these together with a brief overview on how they can be managed. This should be viewed as an overview – and is no substitute for a full review of risk management and regular updates to make sure plans reflect changes in the farm’s activities.
- Hazardous Substances
The use of hazardous substances on the farm must be assessed. Wherever possible measures should be taken to eliminate substance (e.g. safely disposing of old, no longer used, stock); or replacing chemicals for a less hazardous alternative.
Up-to-date copies of relevant Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) should be held on file and staff made aware of, and follow, any safety measures contained within them.
All chemicals should be stored in a secure and suitable storage area when not in use.
Staff should be trained in the safe handling, storage, use and management of hazardous substances, including emergency procedures
Remember that hazardous substances are not restricted to ‘purchased chemicals’. Hazardous substances can also be generated such as dust (e.g. poultry dander) and fumes / gases (e.g. ammonia). These risks must also be properly managed e.g. through good ventilation and/or the wearing of properly fitted personal protective equipment.
- Asbestos
All farms built prior to the 1990s should have an Asbestos Survey and Asbestos Register. Damaged asbestos must be either repaired or removed by a suitable contractor (in certain circumstances this may require a registered contractor) and disposed of through a registered waste contractor.
The findings of the Survey must be communicated to persons who may come into contact with the asbestos (e.g. staff and contractors).
- Machinery
All machinery and equipment must be suitably guarded. Machinery and equipment must also be regularly inspected and maintained and ideally a record kept.
Lifting equipment – such as lifting mechanisms for feedtracks should be regularly inspected by a competent person.
- Transport
Plans should be made to segregate vehicles and pedestrians, staff trained to follow the plan and signage put in place for visiting drivers.
Traffic routes should be maintained in a good condition (e.g. pothole free) and designed to reduce the need for reversing and avoid loading / unloading near overhead power lines.
- Electrical Safety
Fixed electrical wiring should only be installed or repaired by a qualified electrician. All work should be accompanied by the relevant documentation.
All portable electrical appliances should be regularly tested by a suitably qualified electrician and any defects rectified.
Where portable electrical appliances are used in adverse conditions, outdoors or where mechanical damage is likely, it is advisable to use reduced voltage tools operating at 110V.
If there are overhead power lines which cross the site, ensure clear warning signs (or barriers) are in place and staff are trained in safe procedures to avoid contact with cables.
- Managing Waste
Suitable arrangements should be in place to ensure the frequent disposal of waste from the site by a registered waste contractor. Bins used for storing dead birds must be secured and a record of waste collections of birds kept for future reference.
- Working at Height
Wherever possible, work at height should be avoided or if essential undertaken by a competent person who will use the correct work equipment to prevent falls (and/or minimise the distance and consequences of a fall).
All work at height must be assessed prior to taking place and a safe system of work implemented.
- Managing contractors
When engaging contractors, whether an individual or a business you must ensure they are competent to undertake the work.
When appointing a contractor you must assess whether they (and their staff) have the correct experience, training / qualifications and resource (i.e. people and equipment) to undertake the work safely.
Contractors should share with you their risk assessments relevant to the work they are undertaking and likewise, you must provide information to them on the hazards on your site.
A safe working relationship with a contractor relies on good co-operation and co-ordination with each other.
- Fire
The fire risks on your site must be assessed and measures implemented to reduce the risk.
When assessing the fire risk look for what can start the fire (ignition source) e.g. smoking materials, open fires, electrical faults, arson, etc.; then look at what can fuel a fire (fire loading) e.g. building structure, waste material, fuel oil, chemicals, dry vegetation, etc. Where possible, remove ignition sources or reduce the risk (e.g. regularly inspecting electrical system or improving security) and limit the fire loading (e.g. regular removal of waste and safe storage of fuel and chemicals).
Finally, think about how you will warn people about a fire and how you can ensure that everyone on the site (including visitors and contractors) can quickly reach a safe assembly point.
- Training
Training should include a strong safety message and instil a culture of following safe working practises. Staff should also be given appropriate training to undertake their role and training should be regularly refreshed.
Skills training and statutory training such as for driving forklifts and handling hazardous substances, together with refresher training should be provided as necessary.
Information, instruction and training must be provided to all workers in a format that they can understand. Where you employ people for whom English is not their first language, you must consider how you will communicate safety messages to them.
- Lone Working
Procedures should be put in place to help reduce the risks associated with lone working.
When deciding on safe working arrangements think about what happens if you (or the lone worker) becomes ill, is injured or there is an emergency.
Whilst lone workers cannot be constantly supervised, arrangements should be in place for regular contact (e.g. by telephone) and a procedure established should an individual not return at an agreed time (e.g. home for lunch).
- Contact NFU Mutual Risk management Services
For more information, or to arrange an appointment with an NFU Mutual Risk Management Services Consultant call 0800 132 029 or contact your local branch.