National Accident Helpline is reminding farmers to be proactive when it comes to safety procedures.
It urges employers to recognise their duty of care – not only to employees but also to contractors, suppliers, and members of the public affected by their operations.
“In 2023/24 alone, 604,000 workers suffered non-fatal injuries, and 138 tragically lost their lives due to workplace accidents, according to the latest data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Alarmingly, the agriculture sector accounted for 23 of these fatalities,” says John Kushnick, legal operations director.
John points out that farmers and farm workers face daily risks, from handling heavy machinery and vehicles to working with chemicals or operating at heights near pits or silos. However, even with preventative measures in place, accidents may still happen. “The physical and repetitive nature of agricultural work also contributes to long-term health issues, such as chronic back pain. With approximately 33.7 million working days lost to work-related ill health or injury in the past year, the need for proactive safety measures in agriculture has never been clearer.
The Government’s plans to tackle economic inactivity and long-term sickness further highlight the importance of keeping workers safe, healthy, and engaged. This should serve as a wake-up call for the sector, emphasising the vital role employers should play in creating safer workplaces for all.”
John urges growers to conduct a thorough risk assessment as a crucial first step in identifying and mitigating workplace hazards. For instance, ensuring proper training on machinery use, maintaining equipment regularly, and enforcing protective protocols for work at heights, can all significantly reduce risks.
