Growing Skills – Training Matters

Dear Reader

As the weather gets colder and conditions become hazardous we want to share some insights about the importance of training in the agricultural sector. Did you know that one in five work related deaths occur in the agricultural setting despite only 1.5% of the population working within the industry? From the terrain to vehicles and machinery it can't be denied that there are a lot of potential hazards within the rural environment, which is why this month we're talking about the different kinds of training and regulatory bodies that set the standards to keep us all safe.

All of us here at the Rural Skills Centre would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very happy, and safe, Christmas!

Best wishes

James

If you'd like any further information about training, email James Foster or call us on 01285 889873, or if you know of anyone who would benefit from the content in this newsletter, please feel free to send it to them via the special button above.


Training Matters

The law states that you must train your employees and contractors to work safely, and clearly instruct them in their duties. Machinery, vehicles and the complexities of agronomy all hold the potential for extreme harm, as well as huge benefits, and as such proper training is essential. Also, these days in the agricultural industry we make use of science and technology like never before. If we want to continually improve productivity we have to remain aware of the latest developments, we're also obliged to stay ahead of the game in relation to the constant flow of new regulations and statutory requirements: training and refreshers are an integral part of this. Take a look at some of the organisations that publish guidelines and regulations in association with safe practice in agriculture.

HSE – provides extensive guidelines and regulations to ensure safe practice. They stipulate that you must train your workforce to be sure that they know:

  • What hazards and risks they may face
  • How to deal with them
  • Any emergency procedures

Agricultural topics include: workplace transport, machinery, maintenance work, preventing falls, handling livestock, electricity, public safety, building work, workplace safety, controlling exposure, poultry dust, health problems, pesticides, manual handling, personal protective equipment, noise, vibration, risk assessment and tree work.

BASIS – an independent organisation recognised by DEFRA to set and assess standards in the pesticide industry relating to storage, transport and competence of staff.

FACTS – independent and non-statutory, recognised by DEFRA, the Environment Agency and Fertiliser industry as successful in setting standards, training and accreditation, and the continuous professional development of those providing nutrient management advice.

Lantra – the Sector Skills Council for land-based industries setting standards for safe practice.


First Aid Regulations

  • To comply with the First Aid regulations, special consideration should be given to training people working in high risk employment and a cross section of employees should be First Aid trained.
  • All workers should know how to treat a casualty with basic first aid in the event of an accident.
  • Skills that need to be covered are: life saving skills of dealing with shock, stopping bleeding, resuscitation and reviving a person whose heart has stopped. At the Rural Skills Centre it includes industry specific areas such as dealing with burns, scalds, poisoning and fractures.

A leading provider of professional rural training courses, here at the Rural Skills Centre we deliver a wide range of courses including specialist agronomy and broader skill based programmes. All courses are designed to ensure risk assessment, safety matters and statutory requirements are suitably covered. They are also certified from the College or relevant body such as BASIS, FACTS or Lantra.


Some Forthcoming Courses

Emergency First Aid at Work
12 January, 16 March, 11 May, 13 July 2011

Maintenance and safe use of Garden Machinery
26 January, 2 March 2011

ATV: Quad Bike Operation
8 December 2010
5 January, 9 February, 9 March, 6 April, 4 May, 8 June, 6 July 2011

BASIS Conservation Management
17-19 January, 8-10 June 2011

BASIS Nutrient Management
18-20 January 2011

BASIS Soil and Water
7-11 March 2011

FACTS
14-17 February – Exams 22 February 2011

Click here for details on all our courses or email James for more information.


Remember

SW farmers and landowners are entitled to 50% funding through DEFRA's RDPE Skills Programme for certain training.

All FACTS qualified advisors need to update with the NMP course in the next 4 or 5 years to continue practising. Contact James for more information.

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