Farmers brush up on health and safety at free HSE event

Date:

4 March 2009

Release No:

HSE/EM/123

More than 200 farmers from Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and South Yorkshire took advantage of free health and safety advice at an interactive event in Nottinghamshire on 3 March 2009, run by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Industry specialists at the Safety, Health and Awareness event, held at the Welbeck Estate, near Worksop, showed farmers how to protect their workforce from the dangers associated with farming. Subjects covered include: avoiding slips, trips and falls, machinery maintenance and hydraulics, safe use of tele-handlers and more.

Agriculture is one of Britain's most dangerous industries. Over the last year there were 42 deaths on farms - six of which were in the East Midlands.

HSE Agricultural Inspector for Nottinghamshire, David Butter, who helped deliver the event said: "Agriculture is a key employer in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and South Yorkshire and we were pleased to see so many people attend.

"Year on year, the number of injuries in agriculture has remained at a consistently high level. These accidents do not just destroy lives, they destroy whole families, and often their farms too. In these difficult financial times, farmers and workers might be tempted to take risks by cutting back on help or taking shortcuts to save money. We want to make sure that everyone stops and thinks about the dangers around them."

The HSE launched its Shattered Lives campaign last month, which raises awareness specifically of the risks of slips, trips and falls that can occur in any workplace. Injuries can be avoided by sensible and proportionate management of the risks.

Companies and employees can visit the campaign website www.hse.gov.uk/shatteredlives for free interactive e-learning tools.

Notes to editors

1. The health and safety scenarios were led by Lantra Trainers, local machinery supplier RW Marsh and staff from agricultural training body NPTC Awards.

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Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by COI News and PR East Midlands.