Lantra is urging farm businesses to invest in training to support efforts to drive down injuries and fatalities in agriculture.

Although just over one in a hundred workers (employees and the self-employed) work in agriculture it still accounts for about one in five fatal injuries to workers (Health and Safety Executive, 2012).

There are also financial benefits of having a professional and well-skilled workforce. To avoid the new Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Fees for Intervention (FFI) Lantra is advising land-based businesses to invest in training. The new cost recovery scheme came into effect on 1 October 2012. Under the new regulations those who break health and safety laws are liable for recovery of HSE’s related costs, including inspection, investigation and taking enforcement action.

"We understand how critical working safely and efficiently on farms is in driving down the current accident rate", explains Alastair Johnston Lantra’s Agricultural Partnership Manager says. "This is why we're a member of the Farm Safety Partnership and offer technical training through Lantra Awards to help you address safety needs at work."
 

In an attempt to reduce these risks to agriculture businesses, Lantra is working with trade associations and their members across 15 sectors to develop tailored solutions to support professionalism and skills development.  "We recognise that each industry has different needs so we are working alongside trade associations and their members at every stage to ensure each solution meets the needs of the industry", explains Madge Moore, Lantra's National Director for England. 

Over 300 agriculture employers have been involved in piloting Lantra’s Professional Skills Framework, using the online tool to perform a skills audit on their business.  Alastair adds: "The tool is helping employers to focus on the skills needed to make their business safe, efficient and profitable." It can also identify gaps in learning and competence to help employers build the professional standards, leadership and management skills needed to become a thriving business.

"The aim is to encourage the workforce to build its level of professional standards, leadership and management skills through industry-wide professional registers.  Each framework will help the industry earn recognition for increasing their skills base while helping individuals plan their professional development”, adds Madge. 

Madge concludes: "Going forward Lantra sees this new and exciting development as another platform through which industry can obtain the necessary tools, skills and knowledge in order to position themselves for success and profitability".
We’re here to answer all your skills and training questions.

For more information on the professional standards frameworks being developed for agriculture and 15 other sectors visit www.lantra.co.uk, email sales@lantra.co.uk or call 02476 69 69 96.