Farmers are being encouraged to attend a farm safety event in Carlisle (Thursday 20 January) for free advice that could save their lives.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) event at Borderway Auction Market will include practical demonstrations on handling livestock, workplace transport, quad bikes, roof work, manual handling and machinery.
One in four of all workplace deaths are in agriculture, despite the sector employing less than 1.5 percent of the population. The latest figures from HSE show there have been eight deaths and 43 major injuries to agricultural workers in Cumbria during the past five years.
Peter Hamer, HSE Agriculture Inspector for Cumbria, said:
"On average, an agricultural worker is killed or seriously injured in Cumbria every five weeks. But most injuries could be prevented by taking simple steps to improve safety.
"We're encouraging farmers and agricultural workers from across Cumbria to attend the free safety event in Carlisle on 20 January to pick up tips that could end up saving their lives.
"Farming is a key part of Cumbria's economy and it's vital that those that work in the industry stay safe."
HSE research has found that the majority of farmers make at least one change to improve health and safety as a result of attending a Safety and Health Awareness Day.
Farmers and agricultural workers are being encouraged to give up half a day on 20 January to attend the free safety event in Carlisle.
Information on agricultural safety is available at www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture.
Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office.
Issued on behalf of HSE by COI News and PR North West
Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office who act as HSE's Press Office throughout Great Britain.
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