To help minimise the risk of on-farm accidents for those working in the farming and forestry sectors, there will be a demonstration of the importance of first-aid training during Borderway Agri Expo .
Taking place in the sheep ring following the judging, this farm focused first aid demonstration in association with Farm and Forestry First Aid (F3A), H&H Insurance, and H&H Safety, will highlight how vital it is for those working in the farming and forestry sector to have specialist first aid training.
Following on from the demonstration, specialist training company Farming and Forestry First Aid, will deliver a series of practical training courses on how to deal with life-threatening incidents and accidents which may occur in and around a farm environment. Designed especially for those within the industry, the first practical courses will be hosted by Harrison & Hetherington at Borderway Mart, Carlisle on Tuesday 9th November and Tuesday 30th November, with morning and afternoon 3-hour sessions available on both days.
As reported in the most recent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) update, Agriculture has the worst rate of worker fatal injury (per 100,000) of the main industrial sectors. The number of fatal injuries in the sector each year continues to be a cause of concern for many, but particularly the industry itself.
It has become such a serious problem that First Aid training is now being recommended by farm assurance providers as part of their standards. For now, this is being targeted at the fruit and vegetable producers. However, it is anticipated that other sectors will start to be included in 2022.
Colin Lindsay, the founder of F3A stated, “During my time as a rural vet and growing up on a farm, I have seen my fair share of farm accidents. Sadly, not every incident had a successful outcome. It was whilst undertaking some medical training myself that it became apparent there are well proven technologies, equipment, and techniques which would be useful for the types of injuries sustained on farms and in forestry.”
“The concept of F3A was developed in conjunction with specialist trauma doctors and paramedics. The aim is to provide a practice course aimed at the types of injuries sustained on farms. The training and self-save kits will allow farmers to recognise and treat critical life-threatening injuries. Stabilising patients in that critical first hour until emergency services arrive.”
The training will be delivered by qualified health care professionals registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC); each attendee has the opportunity to act both as the lead first aider, and as a helper/bystander. The 3-hour course covers important areas such as assessing a casualty, the correct recovery position, how to administer CPR, use an Automated External Defibrillator, as well as how to learn the treatment of crush injuries, amputation, impalement and severe bleeding.
Scott Donaldson, Managing Director of Harrison & Hetherington and organiser of Borderway Agri Expo said, “With almost everyone who attends the Borderway Agri Expo working in the farming industry, this is the ideal platform to demonstrate how important it is to have a knowledge of first aid. H&H Safety was designed as a standalone service to safeguard agricultural livelihoods and to help farmers adhere to legislation. This training is all about ensuring a safer working environment for those working in two very dangerous industries. The figures are frightening, but if we can get more and more workers trained and prepared for incidents, the number of fatal accidents will reduce.”
The event is being hosted by Harrison & Hetherington and H&H Insurance Brokers in partnership with Carrs Billington and Johnston Tractors. To register your place at a cost of £99.00 + VAT, either email our team or call Alison Agnew on 01228 406332. Please note numbers are limited so participants will be taken on a strictly first come, first served basis although a reserve list will be taken for any future courses.
