Farm Safety Week is more than an annual reminder; it’s a national call to action. Led by the Farm Safety Foundation, the campaign shines a spotlight on the real dangers 
faced by those working in agriculture, an industry that remains one of the UK’s most hazardous.
At Livetec, we know this reality all too well. Our Operational teams are on the front lines of poultry biosecurity; often in high-risk, high-pressure environments. From confined sheds to hazardous machinery, the work is demanding and complex. That’s why we’re not just talking about safety, we’re actively investing in it.
As part of this year’s Farm Safety Week, we’re proud to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the people behind our operations. Here’s how we’re putting safety first every day, not just this week.
Real world risk, real world training
Whether it’s a large-scale depopulation or a routine site visit, Livetec staff face challenges that demand vigilance and specialist skill. As Leon Pretorius, our Operations Co-ordination Manager, explains:
“We operate in high-risk environments, dark sheds, confined spaces, with heavy machinery and in all weathers. Safety isn’t negotiable. If it means slowing the job down to get it done safely, then that’s what we do.”
Before any site work begins, teams receive comprehensive safety briefings, toolbox talks, and PPE checks. No Livetec job starts without clear protocols and up-to-date training.
But we’re not stopping there.
Introducing our new Manual Handling Course — designed for Poultry Professionals
In line with our proactive approach to safety, we’ve developed a bespoke Manual Handling course, designed specifically for the poultry sector. It goes far beyond the generic, box-lifting training offered elsewhere.
“This course is based on the real-life scenarios our staff face,” says Amy Davies, Biosecurity Advisor at Livetec. “We’ve included everything from lifting awkward feed bags and handling crates in low light, to moving live animals of varying weights and temperaments.”
Manual handling injuries are one of the most common and preventable issues in agriculture. For poultry professionals, where repetitive tasks and unpredictable environments are the norm, this training is vital.
Why does it matter?
- It reduces injuries
- It protects poultry welfare
- It increases efficiency and uptime
- It reinforces a culture of responsibility and compliance
More than a tick-box: Creating a culture of care
At Livetec, safety isn’t a compliance task, it’s a core value. We’ve built an internal culture that prioritises care for both people and animals.
That’s why:
- We never send untrained or uncertified staff to site
- We maintain dedicated safety teams for high-risk operations
- We invest in industry-leading PPE and breathing apparatus
- We maintain detailed records of safety checks, movements, and incident-prevention measures
- We design training that not only protects staff but strengthens biosecurity protocols at every step
“If a staff member is careful with manual handling,” says Amy, “they’re also more likely to be careful with biosecurity. It all feeds into one culture.”
Our message to the sector: don’t wait for injury to happen before you act
While training is a legal requirement, our team believes the goal is far greater.
“Don’t wait for an injury to happen before taking safety seriously,” Amy urges. “When you show your team their wellbeing matters, you boost morale, productivity and the reputation of your business.”
Leon adds:
“We work with small farm teams where just one person missing/off work can halt operations. Investing in safety protects your people and your schedule.”
This Farm Safety week and every week
We believe that raising awareness is just the start. The real impact comes from embedding safety into every process, every role, and every mindset.
At Livetec, we’re proud of the work we’re doing to protect our people and support a safer, more responsible poultry sector.
Because safety isn’t just good practice, it’s the foundation of everything we do.
