Provision of Practical Demonstrations for Agriculture Safety and Health Awareness Days (SHADs)

The proposal is for an initial 12 month contract, with no commitment beyond year one. However, there may be an option to be extended in yearly increments, up to a maximum of 3 years in total, with the expectation that a similar number of events will be held in each of the three years.

This is based on HSE having sufficient funding and internal approval being granted. However, HSE cannot guarantee any minimum number of events and cannot guarantee any work or volumes of business.

Any subsequent contract will therefore be on a non-committal basis. SHADs are a key workstream in the ongoing Agriculture Sector Strategy and the Agriculture Sector Implementation plan.

They are aimed at farmers and are free of charge. They are based on practical demonstrations covering everyday hazards focused on the main causes of fatal and major injuries and ill health.

HSE has run over 270 of these events since 1999, which have been attended by over 80,000 people throughout England, Scotland and Wales. The audience is usually made up of family farmers, the self-employed and those employing up to four workers.

The objectives are to: a. Ensure farmers receive up to date information and guidance on good practice and legislation relevant to key Health and Safety issues; b.

Promote more general HSE messages and industry campaigns when required (such as ‘safe maintenance’, the ‘ladder exchange’ programme, ‘Make the Promise’ and ‘Safe Stop’ campaigns); c. Signpost attendees to further information and training opportunities.

A SHAD comprises 2 half day events, delivered on the same day, which include up to six 25 minute practical demonstrations/scenarios. The same scenarios are delivered in both the morning and afternoon sessions to different audiences.

In some circumstances the number of scenarios may be varied to suit local arrangements and needs. SHADs are usually held at agricultural colleges, showgrounds, large farms or other venues that have sufficient and appropriate space for attendees, car parking and covered areas for demonstrations. see Additional Inormation.