Procedures on Health and Safety

Based on the Health and Safety Risk assessment, producers are required to define written procedures to minimize all identified risks. They are expected to review these procedures annually and update them when risks change or new hazards arise. (AF 3.1.2)

Accident and emergency procedures must be communicated to everyone working on the site. They shall also be accessible at designated locations either in the workers’ predominant language(s) or in form of pictures / pictograms. (AF 3.4.1)

Accident and emergency procedures must include the following:

• Address of the site or production unit to be communicated to the emergency services
• Name of a contact person
• Up-to-date list of important phone numbers (police, ambulance, fire-brigade, electricity/water/gas suppliers, etc.)
• Location of the nearest telephone or radio
• How and where to contact the local medicinal services, hospital and other emergency services
• Location of the nearest fire extinguisher
• How and where to contact the local medicinal services, hospital and other emergency services
• Location of the nearest fire extinguisher
• Location of cut-offs for electricity, gas, and water supplies
• How to report an emergency

Many governmental and non-governmental organizations help producers to develop accident and emergency procedures. Often, they also offer templates and free or affordable signage.

Inspectors are expected to verify whether the workers comply with the health and safety procedures while working.

Recommended Internet Resource: : “The Health and Safety Executive of the United Kingdom: Agriculture health and safety”