With the reduced availability of straw already hitting growers across the country, Acres Insurance is urging that precautions be taken to reduce the risk of malicious attacks, as well as accidental damage or injury.
Even if you have a similar size straw stack from last year, the actual stack value will have shot through the roof this year, and insurers will work to values rather than tonnage,” explains Georgie Spencer, director at Acres Insurance Brokers.
“The majority of insurers will impose stack limits on the value they insure. You therefore may need to check with your broker or insurer what the individual stack limit is, or run the risk that your existing limit may no longer cover replacement.
“In the event of fire, theft or storm damage, you could be left paying the shortfall, as many farm policies will require you to inform the insurer of material change, which can include large increases in stock value.”
The hot weather conditions and the threat of fire from criminals mean that growers will need to use common sense to limit risks.
“While there is a benefit to keeping bales easily accessible so they can be moved as soon as possible, having them in close proximity to farm roads does open up more opportunity for those with malicious intent to start fires, so we advise to get bales back to the main base or building as quickly as possible,” says Georgie.
While fire risks may be at the forefront of people’s minds, a sustained downpour could destabilise stacks, making them unsafe and at risk of falling.
“It is important to keep a check on the weather, but also always make sure there is appropriate signage in place. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requires you to have danger signs around stacks, warning of the risk of falling bales.
“Even if the stacks are stored in a building, there should be appropriate signage on display outside of that building,” she adds.
As well as keeping stacks away from rights of way or other areas with public access, Georgie advises keeping parked machinery away from bale stacks.
“There is always the potential of the machinery or vehicle being taken out if someone were to maliciously set fire to the stack, but this also helps avoid accidental damage from any falling bales,” she says.
“It is all a bit of a reminder, and of course, every farmer needs to consider their own circumstances, but following a few common-sense steps can help reduce your risks,” she concludes.
Are you passionate about health and safety on farm, or do you know someone who has taken steps to limit injuries and accidents within their business? Enter or nominate for the Andrew Lawman Safety Award at the National Arable & Grassland Awards.
