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Vineyard Risk Assessment — Generated Instantly for £29
A vineyard risk assessment is a legal requirement for UK wine growers under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Anyrisks generates a complete, UK-compliant vineyard risk assessment covering viticulture operations, machinery use, chemical handling, seasonal workers and visitor safety in under two minutes.
Used by commercial vineyards, small-scale wine growers and vineyard managers across England and Wales
🍇 Using pesticides, fungicides or herbicides? Mention the chemicals you spray and we'll include COSHH assessments, PPE requirements, spray drift controls and safe storage procedures under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.
Legal requirements for vineyard operators
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require every employer and self-employed person to conduct a suitable and sufficient assessment of risks to employees and others affected by the work. For vineyard operations, this includes permanent staff, seasonal harvest workers, volunteers, contractors and members of the public visiting for tours or events.
Regulation 3(1) states that the assessment must identify the measures needed to comply with health and safety law. A written risk assessment is required if you employ five or more people, but is considered best practice for all vineyard operations regardless of size — particularly where insurance, licensing or grant funding is involved.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) apply to all vineyard machinery including tractors, mowers, sprayers and powered tools. Regulation 4 requires that equipment is suitable for its intended use, maintained in safe working order, and operated only by trained personnel. Risk assessments must document machinery inspection schedules, operator training and safe systems of work.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) require a specific assessment for any chemical used in viticulture — including fungicides, herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers. The assessment must identify exposure routes, health effects, safe handling procedures, PPE requirements and emergency spill procedures. Under COSHH Regulation 7, exposure must be prevented or controlled to below workplace exposure limits.
If you open your vineyard to the public for tours, tastings or events, the Occupiers' Liability Acts 1957 and 1984 impose a common law duty to ensure visitor safety. A documented risk assessment covering public access, pedestrian routes, alcohol consumption and emergency procedures is essential for public and product liability insurance.
How it works
1. Describe your vineyard
Tell us about your viticulture operations — size of vineyard, types of grapes grown, machinery used (tractors, sprayers), chemical treatments, whether you employ seasonal workers or host visitors. If you work alone, mention it and we'll include lone working controls.
2. Let the app take the strain
Anyrisks produces a complete, UK-compliant vineyard risk assessment referencing the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, PUWER 1998, COSHH 2002 and all relevant agricultural safety legislation.
3. Instant download and use
Download as PDF and editable Word document. Share with insurers, show to HSE inspectors, include in grant applications, or file for compliance. £29, no subscription, money-back guarantee.
What it covers
Every vineyard risk assessment is written in full, covering all viticulture hazards specific to your operation.
Manual handling — lifting, carrying and pruning during harvest
Use of tractors, mowers, sprayers and powered equipment (PUWER 1998)
Pesticide and fungicide application — COSHH assessment and PPE
Working at height — ladder use during pruning and training vines
Slips, trips and falls on uneven terrain and wet grass
Seasonal and temporary workers — training and supervision requirements
Lone working in remote vineyard areas
Sharp tools — secateurs, knives, pruning saws
Vehicle movement and reversing on site
Visitor safety — tours, tastings and public events
Alcohol consumption on site during tastings
First aid provision and emergency access for remote locations
Adverse weather — sun exposure, cold stress, storms
Biological hazards — wasps, ticks, poison ivy and other plants
Works for
From small family vineyards to commercial wine estates, Anyrisks covers every viticulture operation.
What customers say
"Our insurer asked for a risk assessment before renewing our public liability cover. Anyrisks covered visitor tours, machinery use and chemical storage — exactly what they needed."
Sarah T.
Vineyard owner, East Sussex
"We employ seasonal harvest workers every autumn. The assessment covered manual handling, tool use and supervision of temporary staff. Made the whole process much simpler."
James P.
Wine estate manager, Kent
"I manage three small vineyards across the South West. Anyrisks let me produce site-specific assessments for each one in minutes — saved me hours of paperwork."
Richard H.
Contract vineyard manager, Cornwall
Anyrisks vs DIY templates
| Anyrisks | DIY / Templates | |
|---|---|---|
| Written in full — not a blank form | ✓ | ✗ |
| Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 referenced | ✓ | ✗ |
| COSHH assessment for pesticides and chemicals included | ✓ | ✗ |
| PUWER compliance for tractors and machinery | ✓ | ✗ |
| Seasonal and temporary worker controls included | ✓ | ✗ |
| Visitor and public event safety covered | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ready in under 2 minutes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Instant PDF and Word download | ✓ | Sometimes |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a risk assessment for a small UK vineyard?
Yes. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, all employers and self-employed persons must assess risks to workers and visitors. Vineyard size is irrelevant — if you employ anyone or allow visitors on site, a written risk assessment is a legal requirement.
Does this cover seasonal workers and volunteers?
Yes. Describe the types of workers you use (seasonal harvest workers, part-time pruners, volunteers) and the assessment will include risks specific to inexperienced or temporary staff, including training requirements, manual handling during harvest, and use of tools and machinery.
What about tractor and machinery use in the vineyard?
Yes. If you use tractors, sprayers, mowers or any other powered equipment, mention it in the job description. The assessment will cover operator competence, rollover protection, PTO shaft guarding, and safe refuelling and maintenance procedures under PUWER 1998.
Does it cover pesticide and chemical spraying?
Yes. Mention the types of pesticides or fungicides you use and the assessment will include COSHH requirements, PPE (respirators, gloves, protective clothing), safe mixing procedures, spray drift control, and compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.
Can I use this for visitor tours and wine tasting events?
Yes. Describe the visitor activities (guided tours, wine tasting, self-guided walks) and the assessment will cover public liability risks, slip and trip hazards, alcohol consumption on site, and emergency procedures for members of the public.
Is it accepted by insurance companies and local authorities?
Anyrisks produces a regulation-referenced, professionally formatted risk assessment accepted by insurers, local councils (for events and alcohol licensing), and HSE inspectors. The format is standard across UK agriculture and hospitality.
Also see: The ultimate guide to risk assessment · Do I need a risk assessment? · Risk assessment legal requirements · Risk assessment generator