Road Town, Tortola - The Department of Agriculture on Tuesday presented 13 first-aid kits to field workers in an effort to enhance health and safety measures on the job.
In presenting the kits, Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer Mrs. Arona Fahie-Forbes admonished the staff to take the necessary precautions to ensure they practise safety at all times.
“Due to the nature of the job persons often times get injured in the field; be it major or minor and most times at distances far from professional medical help. With the introduction of the first-aid kits, individuals can now directly attend to their injuries as they seek professional medical assistance,” Mrs. Fahie-Forbes said.
Mrs. Fahie-Forbes explained the need for the department to purchase the kits. “It became essential for the department to purchase these kits in an effort to provide resources for the health and safety of their workers. Simple cuts, bruises and abrasions plus exposure to toxic substances can be treated immediately to prevent more harmful effects,” Mrs. Fahie-Forbes added.
The newly received first aid kits will be assigned to specific officers to be stored in department assigned vehicles. Duties assigned to the Department of Agriculture include the capture and transportation of livestock to the abattoir for slaughtering as well as the impounding of stray animals.
The Department of Agriculture aims to provide sustainable agricultural resources via a healthy, vibrant workforce. This is an effort to meet the food production needs of producers and the public. The department also provides pesticide management, use and application services.
British Virgin Islands News