The induction experts at GetOnSite offer their top tips for keeping farm workers safe and data secure.

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought new challenges to farm managers who are concerned about how to protect their staff. The Herefordshire outbreak, featured on the BBC news, highlighted concerns about social distancing during the process for inducting farm workers and fruit pickers. By using an online induction system, such as GetOnSite, this situation would have been avoided, as the staff would have been inducted prior to their first day.

1. Adopt digital solutions to guarantee social distancing

By using an online induction system, farm workers can be inducted prior to arrival, meaning there is no need for group or face-to-face meetings. Software companies like GetOnSite are helping the agricultural industry move from manual practices to new socially distanced solutions. The cloud-based system provides a seamless experience, providing reassurance to workers that they know the safety procedures on the farm before they begin work, leaving managers to deal with the day to day work of getting the harvest in!

2. Minimise contact and reduce risk

Using a digital software system to induct workers reduces the risks of spreading coronavirus. By asking staff to pre-induct offsite, there is no need to have group meetings indoors, share pens or fill in unnecessary paper forms. Text alerts can notify workers about essential Covid-19 health & safety updates and site maps can be downloaded to mobile phones for ease of use. Fruit pickers and farm labourers will arrive on site with their access code ready to start work.

3. Store data online for easy access

Health records, emergency contact details and disability information can be accessed quickly and easily, providing peace of mind to the farm manager. Farm workers can even upload certificates and qualifications, providing additional documentation at the click of a button.

4. Speed up the induction process

For just £2.60 a day (a cup of coffee!) the team at GetOnSite can build an online induction within 48 hours, featuring multiple-choice questions to check workers are aware of safety procedures on the farm. Moving staff induction online is simple and affordable, saving time and money for the business.

5. Be GDPR compliant

In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulations (or GDPR) all staff data is stored securely on cloud servers, encrypted for added security and is accessible 24/7 on any device. Site managers can be safe in the knowledge that all the personal information collected from EU citizens is safeguarded, preventing reputational harm to the business.

Providing solutions, saving money and increasing productivity are all ways that GetOnSite continue to support farm managers, fruit pickers and the local community. For more information and to book a free demo phone 01285 770011 or get in touch with one of our induction experts.