Basics of HSE in Agriculture

Audience
The course is aimed at farmers and others who work on or have responsibility for operations on farms, either alone, in family farms or with employees. It is also suitable for those who have additional industries such as farm tourism, entering the yard, rental, forestry or events, and who need to ensure peace of mind for employees, guests and users alike.

Learning objectives
Participants will gain practical understanding of the risk picture in modern agriculture and learn how systematic HSE is built up and used in everyday life. They will learn to distinguish between statutory requirements and recommended good practices, organize and document the work of the HSE easily, conduct a safety round and risk assessment, prioritize and implement preventive measures, and establish emergency preparedness for accidents and fire. The course also provides competence to integrate physical and mental health, workload and well-being into the health and safety system, and adapt routines and risk assessments to several businesses and different user groups on the farm.

After completing the course you will be able to

• Explain what HSE entails in agriculture and why it is essential for safe and profitable operations.
• Describe typical risks on the farm and assess how work pressures and many roles affect safety.
• Understand key occupational health and safety requirements in agriculture and establish a single system of organization and documentation.
• Conduct a safety round and risk assessment in practice and use the results to prioritize actions.
• Plan and implement preventive measures for tractor and machinery, fire and electrical faults, animal handling and other risk areas.
• Prepare a simple contingency plan with visible contingency poster and conduct exercises and updates.
• Prevent stress injuries with ergonomics, breaks and proper work routines, and reduce health problems related to noise, vibration, chemicals and dust.
• Recognize signs of stress and mental strain, use measures of support and coping, and strengthen the social work environment on the farm.
• Build a holistic health and safety system that covers both traditional operations and ancillary industries, with customized routines for employees, guests and vulnerable groups.
• Document, follow up and improve HSE work across activities, partners and changes in operations.