The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) and the NFU have produced a checklist to make it easier for farmers and contractors to work together, and to ensure that operations are carried out safely and efficiently.
Both organisations state that it is vital for contractors and farmers to have a close relationship, not only to make it a financial and productive success, but also to keep workers safe. The new checklist will reportedly help them do this.
Commenting, Jill Hewitt, NAAC chief executive said, “Contractors are now relied upon by many farms to provide a skilled labour force and high-tech machinery. It is essential that everyone works together to exchange local information to make the job run smoothly, avoid public nuisance and keep staff, families and the public safe.”
As part of the Farm Safety Partnership, the NAAC and NFU are working with other industry organisations to improve the safety record in farming. It is difficult to separate business requirements, environmental concerns and safety, so the new checklist aims to draw together vital elements for a safe, productive relationship between contractors and farmers.
NFU vice president David Exwood said: “Farmers and agricultural contractors work closely together on a day-to-day basis, and this new checklist is a great tool to ensure that the whole industry is working together to help everyone remain safe.
“This checklist is about improving the working relationship between farmers and contractors by making small changes to reduce the risk of accidents, while also improving efficiency and productivity.”
The Partnership Checklist can be found on the NAAC website: www.naac.co.uk
