Farmers, manage your risks The Namibia Agricultural Union has stressed the importance of applying risk management on farms at all times following the tragic gas explosion last month in which 10 people were killed. The explosion which occurred on 14 October at the farm /Garib about 25km from Dordabis, claimed the lives of nine children and one adult and injured five.
The incident occurred when a gas cylinder inside the house of a farmworker exploded and the house burnt down. It is suspected that gas may have been leaking and caught fire from a fire that was made outside the house.
The NAU said following this tragic gas accident, it is now time for farm owners to learn and identify risks on their farms and to eradicate them.
The union also said according to reports, the accident was started from an obsolescent gas supply pipe connection from which the gas leaked and then started a fire.
It pointed out that according to the Labour Act, employers are responsible to create a safe and “risk-free” working environment which is not a threat to their employees.
The union added that the Act also puts an obligation on employers to take prevention for his own safety as well as the safety of co-workers and other persons.
According to the NAU, risk management is an important component in successful farming and therefore, farmers should learn to look for dangerous situations in the working environment every day.
“How roadworthy are my vehicles and tractors? How safe do I transport my employees on the back of a vehicle? Do I keep my infrastructure intact? Do I replace damaged electrical cords, switches on plugs? Do I take the necessary precautions against injuries during cattle work, work on wind pumps, hunting expeditions, etc.?” are some of the critical questions farm owners must address positively.
ELLANIE SMIT