Risk Assesment for Farm/Woodland Visits

Farm and woodland visits - Risk Assessment template

Land managers have a duty under health and safety law (COSHH) to assess the risks to visitors to their farm/woodland and to take appropriate action to prevent or adequately control that exposure. We expect you to be COSHH compliant. Your Risk Assessment template for farm/woodland visits should give an assessment of additional risks associated with hosting visits and how you will manage those risks.

Assessment
  1. Identify the risks likely to arise from visits of the general public in each of the areas highlighted below.
  2. What additional risks arise from visits of particular groups (such as children, disabled).
  3. What additional risks arise due to the size of group or purpose of the visit.
  4. Identify 'hot spots' where particular risks may be higher.
  5. Identify no-go areas (land and buildings) where the risk of access is too great to manage.
Management
  • E. coli O157 control: Indicate how you will follow the risk management practice in HSE Agriculture Information Sheet no. 23 (revised) Avoiding Ill Health at Open Farms - Advice to Farmers. Provide evidence on how you will control each main aspect in this advice: farm/woodland layout and routes, animal contact, eating areas, washing facilities, information and signs, training and supervision, livestock management, manure and compost heaps;
  • appropriate clothing:Advise your visitors to wear appropriate clothing for the conditions on the farm and weather conditions;
  • toilet facilities;
  • farm/woodland machinery and equipment;
  • farm/woodland condition - waste, water, broken steps, dykes, etc.
  • control of dogs and farm animals;
  • required level of supervision;
  • hazardous materials - chemicals, fertiliser, electrical appliances, etc.

Top of Page

Page updated: Friday, July 03, 2009