Shropshire Star

Spot checks could be expensive if you don't follow safety guidance

Did you know that farm businesses are now liable to Health and Safety procedure spot checks from the council?

Published
Charlotte White is an assistant agent with Balfours.

The HSE is now encouraging local authorities to undertake spot checks in areas of greater risk, and farms and construction sites have been identified at greater risk.

If a local authority makes a spot check and finds any discrepancies it will then be able to make a charge, for advising and overseeing compliance. It is important to highlight that these checks are random and do not have to follow any findings for non-compliance.

The fees will be based upon time spent by inspectors at a rate of £129 per hour. Details of any fees payable and how to pay will be sent to the person or business concerned following identification of any such breaches.

If farms are found to be non-compliant, the fee for intervention will be implemented.

On this basis we would encourage farmers to download or request a copy of the HSE’s guidance document "What a Good Farm Looks Like."

In truth this document is about simple good practice and commonsense. For instance, have all operators of machinery on your farm received relevant training? Are machines correctly maintained so that they are safe to use? Are children supervised to ensure they are kept out of the workplace?

I have just touched on a tiny few points you will already be aware of, but by reading this 24-page very well-presented booklet, full of bullet points, you will very quickly be able to ascertain that you are up to standard – and fix any anomalies.

HSE is simply concerned with worker safety. The spot checks and potential fees are a way of implementing and sharing that responsibility with you.

Charlotte White is an assistant agent with Balfours.