Millions of working days are being lost each year due to work related ill health and injuries and the agricultural industry still bears the brunt of work place injuries. Last year, 38 of the 152 workers killed at work were in agricultural related jobs.

These worrying figures have been reported by the Health and Safety Executive and employers must ensure they are doing all they can to keep their business safe for workers and within the law.

"There is no escape from the fact that agriculture can be dangerous employment but if you have a Risk Assessment you will be complying with the law and taking steps to reduce the risk of injury," said Richard Cook, Health and Safety specialist with chartered surveyors Berrys at Kettering.

"Think about every task whether it's done on a daily or occasional basis. What type of work is it, with livestock, machinery - fixed or moving, hand held tools, inside or outside, cold or warm conditions, noisy, alone or with the help of others?

"Do you need lighting, will you be using chemicals, and is the air clean or dusty? Will you be affecting other people before, during or after the job? Is the job on a roof or near power lines? Do you need protective or reflective clothing?

"These are the sort of things you should be asking to get started with your risk assessment," Richard explained.

Once you have a list of your jobs you can identify the hazards and the level of risk. This is where you could apply a risk rating to help determine the level of priority.

"For instance, some work with cattle will require two people, consider using a trolley for manual handling jobs, in a grain store ensure good ventilation, and if you have to use a hand brush ensure the dust is wet to prevent it from rising."

Rate the hazards in a simple to understand way. Ask yourself the likelihood of the hazard doing any harm - might well be expected, remotely possible or unlikely. How often are you exposed to this hazard - annually, weekly or daily? What would be the effects of this hazard upon you if not controlled - minor first aid, death or broken leg? Think in these term and you will be able to rate and act upon the effectiveness of your controls.

"At this stage you will be able highlight any jobs you need to do to help prevent injury, such as guard any machinery, or repair the guard, before work starts," he said.

"Ensure the 'stop' button works on machinery. Think of your risk assessment like crossing the road. Should I walk another 20 yards and use the pedestrian crossing or shall I run across the road?"

Richard Cook is based at Berrys' Kettering office. He can be contacted on 01536 532375 or email richard.cook@berrybros.com

For more information about Berrys, please visit their website here: www.berrybros.com