Staying safe at work

Following lots of bad media involving grooms and injuries we caught up with employer Danielle Jones to find out what she safety measures she implements on the yard.

We are all very aware that working with horses comes with risks, however we acknowledge this, but we can all be guilty of thinking ‘It will never happen to me’.

The reality is that it can and it does which is why I think it is important to take put some basic safety rules in place to help prevent accidents.

When I first arrived at the yard and implemented these rules I wasn’t very popular, but as the weeks went on I think my team realised that I was just looking out for them and trying to keep them safe.

• Always wear gloves when leading, lunging or riding. If you’ve seen someone’s finger hanging off thanks to a lead rope trust me you’d wear gloves.
• No one is allowed to ride without a hat and I encourage wearing a hat whilst bringing in and turning out.
• Hi-viz is to be worn when hacking out no matter what time of year it is.
• Correct footwear (no trainers or sandals allowed). I’d rather you have hot smelly feet than your toes missing.
• Body protectors took the most convincing for my team but they are not allowed on horses we have in for breaking, or to jump without wearing one.

If you think it’s a bit overkill then think again. If you get injured when it could have been prevented by wearing one of the above not only does it impact massively on you physically, but also on the rest of your team who have to pull their weight extra hard while you are off. 

It’s not a case of overkill – in my opinion its common sense.

Don’t forget to as an EEA Member you can use your EEA discount code at www.treehouseonline.co.uk.

EMPLOYERS SIGN UP