The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has welcomed two new affiliate members to the Farm Safety Partnership (FSP).
The FSP aims to increase awareness of farm safety and to reduce work-related fatalities and injuries on Northern Ireland’s farm.
In 2016, the FSP set up the Affiliate Scheme which is part of a commitment to encourage and recognise organisations who pledge to utilise their resources and expertise to improve farm safety standards in the industry.
Translink’s Infrastructure and Projects (I&P) Division, and Pilgrim’s Europe are the newest affiliate members.
Safety
Translink’s Infrastructure & Projects (I&P) Division is responsible for the maintenance, repair and renewal of the railway infrastructure.
The division interacts with the farming community in relation to the safe use of level crossings, including the use of public road crossings and private user worked crossings which are often used exclusively by farmers.
Common safety issues include animals getting onto the line, farming activities causing potentially challenging earthworks and drainage conditions and vegetation management activities on the farming land in the vicinity of the railway line.
HSENI said that Pilgrim’s Europe’s roots derive from Moy Park farming to drive safety as a condition across their business.
The company invests heavily in safety training and collaborate closely with farmers to promote the highest standards in agricultural safety.
Farm Safety Partnership
Since its inception, the Farm Safety Partnership has worked to change the farming community’s attitudes and minds in relation to awareness of farm safety.
The HSENI noted there has been with a reduction of work-related fatalities and injuries on Northern Ireland’s farms.
The work of the FSP is supported by the Farm Safety Affiliates.
FSP chair Harry Sinclair welcomed Translink’s Infrastructure & Projects (I&P) Division and Pilgrim’s Europe to the FSP family.
“Farming is a vital part of the Northern Ireland economy and through their commitment to keep farm safety at the forefront of their activities, all of our affiliate members are playing an essential role in helping to keep our farmers and their families safe.
“The Farm Safety Partnership, along with its affiliate members, are sharing our aims to improve the health and safety of the local farming community and helping to raise the profile of farm safety in Northern Ireland.
“It is only by working together that we will be able to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Northern Ireland farms and I would encourage all stakeholders with a passion for farm safety to apply to join the affiliates scheme,” he said.
