BVA launch drive to help improve farmer and vet safety

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has produced a leaflet to help vets and farmers achieve better safety when working together on farms.

The BVA client advice leaflet, Is your farm a safe place to work?, has been produced for farmers and is available from the You and Your Vet section on the BVA website.

See also: Top tips for safe cattle handling

Addressing the farmer’s responsibility to keep anyone working on their farm safe, the leaflet describes what should be in place for a vet to operate safely on the farm and points to further information.

“Farmers and vets up and down the country have seen colleagues injured on farms and consequently unable to work. Many injuries are avoidable if veterinary practices, their employees and farmers all take action to minimise the risks.”
John Blackwell, BVA president

The leaflet can be used for vets and farmers to start a discussion about minimising avoidable risks on farm. BVA resources for vets include a Farm Health and Safety guide and risk assessment form for veterinary practices.

BVA president John Blackwell emphasised the importance of all parties taking health and safety on farm seriously.

“Health and safety assessments can save lives by informing action plans that help minimise the risks,” he said.

“Farmers and vets up and down the country have seen colleagues injured on farms and consequently unable to work. Many injuries are avoidable if veterinary practices, their employees and farmers all take action to minimise the risks.”

See also: New TB testing regime must not penalise local vets

The farm safety leaflet has been produced as part of a BVA package of guidance to help all parties understand their share of legal responsibility. It follows the Antibiotics – our role as a farmer leaflet.

All are available for download at the BVA website.