Unique challenges in store this silage season

The 2020 silage season will come with unprecedented challenges for contractors and teams, as is the case for workers in all sectors right now.

Contractors need to be mindful now more than ever of the health of their operators and indeed their customers, and so it is of partamount importance for them to give their operators clear instructions for their work.

Ahead of the season, the FCI will be providing stickers that should be placed prominently in machine cabs, but has also called on contractors to make their employees aware of some key points.

The interior of cabs should be sprayed with disinfectant spray at the outset and end of each day. Such spray should also be used to disinfect machine door handles.

One driver should be limited to one machine, but if a change of drivers does take place, cabs and controls should be cleaned thoroughly.

Drivers must stick to social isolation and not allow others, particularly children, into the cab with them.

Operators should ensure they have enough food and drinks with them for their day’s work. They should be allowed a minimum of two food breaks, as stops in delis and shops are not ideal at the current time.

If customers do wish to provide food for contractors and operators, they must adhere to social distancing rules. It’s preferable to eat outdoors, and workers should not enter their customer’s homes for food.

Contractors should provide a box of disposable plastic gloves in each cab and replace these each week.

Workers are also encouraged to wear overalls and change them afresh each day. Alternatively, workers should use disposable overalls to be disposed of each day.