We are approaching the end of Farm Safety Week 2023 which is organised and promoted by the Farm Safety Foundation, a charity also known as ‘Yellow Wellies’, to try and address some of the issues facing our farming and agricultural works in the UK.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) released their report into workplace fatalities earlier this month bringing a timely reminder of the dangers that agricultural working presents. Between April 2022 and March 2023, 21 farm workers and members of the public lost their lives on British farms. Given only 1% of the working population are employed in the farming industry, the deaths account for 16% of all workplace fatalities. The HSE therefore recognises the farming and agricultural industry as proportionately the most dangerous within the UK.
Farming is an essential industry in the UK and across Ireland whether it be arable crop production or livestock farming but that doesn’t mean corners should be cut or risks taken with workers safety. Farming by its nature involves heavy machinery and vehicles which can pose risks and the long hard days can be exhausting for those working, particularly in the height of the harvest season.
Safety measures should always be taken when working with heavy machinery and farm/agricultural vehicles. Only those with suitable training and qualifications should work with these powerful and large machines. In addition, with the pressures of farming and often working all hours up against the weather, it can be very frustrating if any mechanical failures put a spanner in the works. The temptation might be there to tinker with the engine or get down to inspect the tyres or undercarriage but this can be very dangerous even for those who are qualified in mechanics. Safety measures must be taken at all times to reduce the risk and ensure that no one attempts to operate a vehicle whilst another worker is in a position of risk.
There is also the unpredictability of dealing with livestock which can present a danger to employees or those visiting the farm. Steps must be taken by employers to protect their workers and those visiting their premises ensuring that only those with suitable experience and training are in contact with livestock and that all suitable and appropriate personal protective equipment is provided. Unfortunately it was incidents with livestock which also caused the deaths of the members of the public so farmers must ensure that any visitors to their yards are kept a safe distance from any animals and the dangers they can present to the inexperienced.
Risk assessments can be difficult on farms given the wide variety of tasks undertaken but all employees should be trained in dynamic risk assessments and given independence to assess any risk or danger, stepping away without fear of repercussions if a task is too dangerous or not suitable for their skill or experience level.
Whilst the HSE figures do show that farming and agricultural deaths have reduced since 2021-22, which there is no denying is a positive step in the right direction, there is still much work to do in changing the attitudes of employers and helping them to create the safest working environment they can for their workers. The work of Yellow Wellies and other farm safety awareness groups and campaigns is therefore very important in addressing these issues now and trying to build a better future for the next generation of farmers.
Lynsay is an Associate in our Personal Injury Team. If you have been injured in an accident at work and would like to discuss a potential personal injury claim, please contact Lynsay or one of our Specialist Personal Injury Team on 0800 731 8434.
