South West Hosts First Major Equine Safety Event
The first major equestrian safety event of its kind in the UK will be held in Dorset next week, when the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and partnership organisations offer a free training workshop to businesses from across England and Wales.
"The interest we’ve had for this pilot safety event has been overwhelming," said HSE organiser, Glenda Benger, "and our initial aim to target just Dorset businesses has been rapidly revised. We’ve definitely tapped a niche in the market!"
This unique Equestrian Health and Safety Event is the result of a partnership between HSE, Dorset local authorities and Kingston Maurward College, with the support of the British Horse Society, Farrier Registration Council and a number of other equestrian industry bodies. It will take place at Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester, on 12 November 2009, between 10.30 am and 3.45 pm.
Aimed at anyone involved in the equestrian industry – particularly those working in or with racing stables and stud farms (under HSE’s remit) and riding schools and livery stables (under local authority remit) – the free training day is packed with informative presentations and practical demonstrations (this will involve the use of horses and moving machinery, consequently the workshop will be held in the indoor riding arena at the college).
"This event is part of our joint working with local authorities under the ’Revitalising Health and Safety Strategy’ banner," explained Glenda Benger, "and in future, both HSE and local authority inspectors will be looking closely at how equestrian businesses are managed – both during routine preventative inspections and especially during accident investigation periods.
"Our presentations will include invaluable advice on duty of care responsibilities under such relevant legislation as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Riding Establishments Acts 1964 and 1970 and the Road Traffic Act, as well as practical demonstrations using relevant machinery, equipment and livestock!
"We’re delighted with the support we are getting from such important industry bodies as the British Horse Society and the Farrier Registration Council, both of whom are just as committed as we are to improving the standards of health and safety among equestrian businesses."
