Lifesaving advice on offer for County Durham farmers

Date:

1 November 2010

Release No:

NE/254/10

Farmers across County Durham are being encouraged to attend a free half day event later this month to pick up advice on dealing with the dangers of working in agriculture. Figures from the HSE reveal that 38 agricultural workers died in Britain last year - making farming the country's most dangerous occupation.

The event, which is being organised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will take place at Barnard Castle Auction Mart on Tuesday 23 November between 8.00 - 11.30am.

There will be practical safety demonstrations focusing on activities that are common causes of injury and ill-health in agriculture such as transport, machinery maintenance, access to roofs and safe working at height, and manual handling. The demonstrations will be delivered by qualified trainers from LANTRA and will include hints and tips on simple and cheap precautions that can be taken to keep farmers, their families, agricultural workers and members of the public safe.

Bruno Porter, HSE Acting Principal Inspector, said:

"Proportionately, there are more work-related deaths in agriculture than any other sector. Each one is a tragedy for a family, for a business and for the industry as a whole.

"The event in Barnard Castle will provide an excellent opportunity for local farmers to get practical advice on how to take action to avoid people being killed, injured or made ill on their farm. HSE has run many of these events over the years, and farmers who have attended them have told us that they found them helpful and worthwhile.

"Even if you have been to a similar event in the past, I'd still like to encourage farmers and agricultural workers to come along, as the topics covered are changed frequently to keep up with developments in the industry. Attendance at the event will also show that you're committed to health and safety and assure us that you are a lower priority for inspection."

The event is free, but places must be booked in advance and are on a first come, first served basis. To confirm attendance, or for more information, email samantha.glasgow@hse.gov.uk.

Notes to editors

1. The Health and Safety Executive is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice; promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice; and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk
2. Lantra is the UK Sector Skills Council for land-based and environmental industries.

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