E coli on open farms has hit the headlines again and all farmers would be advised to review their risk assessments. Farmers managing open farms will also need to check the risk assessments of those responsible for party and group visits.

The advice comes from Richard Cook, Health and Safety consultant with Berrys at Kettering, who says farmers should take action now, before it's too late.

"Animals which have been tested negative for E.coli (Escherichia coli 0157) may still carry the bacterium. There are no tests available to prove an animal is free from it, therefore, always presuppose animals carry it," he advises.

"E coli can easily be passed on to other livestock as the bacterium can last 100 days or more in soil, and about 90 days in cattle faeces. The bacterium can be passed on by your livestock, staff, visitors, delivery drivers and wild animals."

Having direct contact with animals or coming into contact with their faeces is the most common way of becoming infected.

"It is hardly surprising then that open farms present a greater risk to the public and those who visit them," he said.

"Review your risk assessment now, before it is too late."

It is important to write in to your risk assessment that the visiting party must sign to agree that they have read, understood and will follow;

·       the advice given in the HSE leaflet Avoiding ill health on open farms - Advice to farmers (with teachers' supplement), AIS23(rev1)

·       AIS23 Supplement (revised)

·       the visiting party's own risk assessment

·       the requirements laid down in your farm risk assessment

"Supervision is key to controlling the movements of people and especially children on your premises," he said.

"Children and young people do not have the same sense of hazard perception as adults. There is nothing to prevent you from asking for an increase in the ratio of supervisors to pupils. Contact your local authority and your insurers to find out about their guidelines and use this as a benchmark. Request an increase in the supervisor numbers if you see fit.

"Of course your risk assessment will not prevent anyone from coming into contact with E coli. It will be part of your controls to reduce the risk of contamination and by reviewing your risk assessment you will be showing that you care about the health and safety of you and your staff and others who might be affected by your activities.

"This is a timely reminder that your general statement of how you manage health and safety requires an annual review by law," he adds.

There is published material with respect to E coli giving advice on livestock and manure management, training and information, coming into contact with animals, hygiene and eating on open farms.

Berrys, which has offices in Northamptonshire, Shropshire and Cheshire, provides solutions to health and safety issues and risk assessments to help businesses improve profit margins and comply with the law.

For details contact Richard Cook at Berrys Kettering Office on 01536 532375 or email richard.cook@berrybros.com

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