A free seminar, sponsored by rural insurer Cornish Mutual as part of the company’s ‘FarmSafe’ initiative, was organised by FACE (Farming & Countryside Education) to introduce the new Code of Practice to farmers who host educational visits or attractions on their farms.
The code was drawn up due to concerns about an outbreak of ecoli on a Surrey farm in 2009
With the new code launched on June 25, more than xx members of the local farming community attended the seminar held at Bicton College, Devon, just three days later on Thursday, June 28, delivered by David Coackley from the HSE.
One of Cornish Mutual’s local Insurance Inspectors in Devon John Amery also attended the event and spoke about the company’s ‘FarmSafe’ initiative, which was launched earlier this year to raise awareness of health and safety issues and reduce the number of deaths and injuries on farms across and the South West.
John Amery, Senior Inspector for Cornish Mutual, said: “FarmSafe is all about promoting the importance of all aspects of health and safety on the farm so we were delighted to be able to support this seminar.
“If you regularly have visitors to your farm, especially children, then health and safety is paramount. The seminar has provided an early introduction to the new Industry Code of Practice and our hope is that farmers will act quickly to ensure they are following best practice.”
The new Industry Code of Practice for preventing and controlling infection on farms replaces the previous HSE guidance AIS 23. It covers essential information on best practice for preventing and controlling ill health from animal contact at farms and visitor attractions, including cleaning and hygiene routines, land management and the importance of hand washing.
FACE is a registered charity which aims to educate children and young people about food and farming in a sustainable countryside. FACE is a partner organisation of Access to Farms (ATF) which offers specialist training to farms that host educational visits.
Janet Hickinbottom, National Education Officer for FACE added: “We are very grateful to Cornish Mutual for helping us to put on the seminar in Devon and for speaking to the attendees about their ‘FarmSafe’ initiative. I can’t stress strongly enough how important it is for farmers to be aware of the issues around health and safety and make sure they do everything in their power to prevent visitors contracting any infections or illnesses. The new guidelines will help make it clearer what steps they can take to prevent and control infection, and if any further guidance is needed we have a number of resources on our website and advisors who can offer their expertise.”
For information about FACE and ATF, visit www.face-online.org.uk.
For more information about Cornish Mutual’s ‘FarmSafe’ initiative, visit www.cornishmutual.co.uk/health-and-safety-on-farms
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