NEW HEALTH AND SAFETY MINISTER SEES FARM SAFETY IN ACTION

HSE press release E136:03 - 17 July 2003

Des Browne, recently appointed Department for Work and Pensions Minister with responsibility for Health and Safety, accompanied HSE inspectors on a visit to a farm last week to see for himself the dangers of working in agriculture.

Fatal accident statistics released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) earlier this month confirm that agriculture, with around 9 fatalities per 100,000 workers, continues to have the highest fatal injury rate of any industrial sector. The Minister was keen to learn what was being done to reduce this unacceptable toll.

Des Browne joined Cardiff-based HSE Inspector Sarah Baldwin-Jones and Head of Agriculture and Food Sector, Dr Roger Nourish, at a routine HSE inspection of O P Williams and Partners Farm at Lower Machen near Newport, Gwent.

Des Browne said: "I am delighted to have had the opportunity to learn directly from the Williams family and Inspectors the challenges of meeting 21st century health and safety standards."

Mr Browne discussed the practical implementation of control measures focusing on HSE's 'revitalising topics' of Falls from Height, Transport, musculoskeletal Disorders and Occupational Asthma.

He also drew attention to the Executive's mounting concern about the rising fatal accident trend amongst the self-employed on family farms.

"Over the past 16 years HSE together with social partners NFU, TGWU and the industry have steadily reduced the incident rate amongst the employer farms. This needs driving down further, but our challenge is to reduce the fatals toll amongst the self-employed. From what I have seen and heard today I am convinced that securing improved communication with this part of the farming community is the key."

Mr Browne added: "I have been impressed with the knowledge and experience of HSE inspectors and the national strategies underway. These are the people who have to investigate fatal and major accidents but they would much rather share their experience and pass on their advice to secure prevention."

"Take it from me, Inspectors are not Whitehall bureaucrats they are committed, practical and approachable - make contact with them or get onto the HSE website. All of these routes can give you access to free good practice guidance.

"Make sure your farm stays in the family by keeping yourselves alive and well and maintaining your livelihood."

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