Farmers urged to think safety ahead of flagship show

Date:

8 July 2010

Release No:

YH/185/10

Agriculture is officially the most dangerous industry in Britain, with proportionately more work-related deaths than in any other sector.

That is the message the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will take to next week's Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate (13-15 July).

According to new figures from the Health and Safety Executive, 38 workers were killed during farm work in 2009/10, marking a return to average levels of previous years and in contrast to 25 fatalities the previous year − a record low.

Said HSE's regional director for Yorkshire and The Humber, David Snowball:

"We are especially concerned to see continuing high numbers of fatalities in agriculture. It is additionally tragic that many of these lives are lost in family businesses.

"No industry can or should regard high levels of workplace death and injury as being 'part of the job'. Other sectors, such as construction, have shown they can improve.

"Incidents involving moving vehicles, such as ATVs and telehandlers are the biggest cause of fatal injury in the region. They can be prevented and we'll be at the Great Yorkshire show to offer advice and guidance as part of our efforts to encourage the agricultural community to recognise the risks and take action for themselves."

HSE will also use the show to encourage farmers to 'Make the Promise' to come home safe as part of a wider programme of activity in the agricultural sector to help reduce the numbers of people killed or injured on farms. To date, more than 2,800 Yorkshire and Humber farmers have made that pledge.

HSE's stand will feature the stories of farmers who have been killed or injured during the course of their work. Visitors will be able to make their promise, pick up Promise Knots - a visual reminder of their pledge, and children will be able to make Promise Knot key rings on which they can write a message to their loved ones.

With almost three-quarters of farmers aware of the campaign, 'Make the Promise' is increasingly being adopted by the farming community and it already has strong support from the NFU and the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs.

HSE's stand is number 642, located above the main ring. Information and advice is also available online at www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture

Notes to editors

1. HSE produces health and safety guidance for farmers, organizes free health and safety awareness days, provides information and advice through farm visits, by telephone and at agriculture shows. It also monitors the health and safety performance of the industry and, where necessary, takes enforcement action against employers who endanger lives. www.hse.gov.uk
2. Visitors to the HSE stand will be able to collect copies of the latest edition of Farmwise − a free, comprehensive guide to managing health and safety in agriculture. Farmwise is also online at www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg270.htm
3. More than half of all deaths on farms in the last 10 years have been caused by one of three factors:
   • Workplace transport
   • Falls from height, especially roofs
   • Being struck by moving or falling objects
4. HSE experts are available for interview at the Great Yorkshire Show to discuss agricultural safety. Please contact Paul Butler (details below) if you would like to arrange this.

Press enquiries

Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office.

Issued on behalf of HSE by COI News & PR Yorkshire and the Humber