Farm safety events target Moray and Highland farmers

Date:

3 February 2011

Release No:

SCO/08/11

Farmers across Moray and the Highlands are encouraged to attend one of two free half day events later this month for advice on the dangers of working in agriculture.

The latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that the sector is still one of the most dangerous in Great Britain. Eight agricultural workers died in Scotland in 2009/2010, and a further 78 major injuries were reported.

The events, organised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), will feature practical safety demonstrations focused on common causes of injury and ill-health in agriculture such as quad biking, transport and machine maintenance (including tractor PTO equipment and trailer brakes), safe working at height, animal handling and manual handling. The demonstrations 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.

Ann Poyner, HSE 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.

"These events 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 change to keep up with developments in the industry."

With an event already fully booked on the afternoon of Thursday 17 February, HSE are encouraging farmers to book their places on one of the two remaining half day events.

The first event will take place on the morning of Wednesday 16 February at Dipple Farm in Fochabers. The second event will be held on the morning of Thursday 17 February at Dingwall and Highland Auction Mart in Dingwall.

Notes to editors

1. The events take place on the 16 and 17 February, as follows:
   • Fochabers, Wednesday 16 February, morning session only
     David Brown
     Dipple Farm
     Fochabers
     Moray
     IV32 7QA
   • Dingwall, Thursday 17 February, morning and afternoon sessions
     Dingwall and Highland Auction Mart
     Humberston
     Baliechaul Road
     Dingwall
     IV15 9TP
2. The number of reported injuries in the Agricultural sector in Scotland 2009/10 were: 8 fatal injuries, 78 major injuries and 171 injuries requiring workers to be absent from work for 3 or more days.
3. 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

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