Farming deaths at record low
The latest Health and Safety Executive, (HSE) figures have revealed that farming work accidents and deaths have fallen to the lowest level since records began.
In 2008, 26 workers were killed at work compared with 46 in 2007. However, figures show agriculture is still the most dangerous sector to work in.
These results come after the launch of the HSE's hard-hitting 'Make the Promise' campaign, which urged farmers to pledge they would come home safely to their families.
Graeme Walker, the head of agriculture for the HSE said:"We very much welcome any reduction in the number of agricultural workers being fatally injured. But the fact that 26 workers failed to come home from their jobs last year is a terrible tragedy."
Sixteen self-employed and 10 employees were the 26 fatalities last year. Five members of the public were also killed in accidents connected to work in agriculture. On British farms alone, 450 workers and members of the public have been killed over the past decade.
Agriculture has a very poor health and safety record compared with other industries, such as construction and factory work. Many deaths are family related.
"The fact that many of these lives have been lost in family businesses is a double tragedy. Not only have families been ripped apart, but businesses that have been handed down through generations have been ruined," Mr Walker stated.
Karl Turner, the senior public relations officer for the HSE noted that singling out a prime reason for this trend is complex, but evidence from past economic downturns reveals that when the economy recovers there is an increased rate of fatalities.
"During an economic downturn the more experienced and trained workers remain in employment, and as a result of their training and experience, fatal injury rates decrease.
"As the economy speeds up, workloads increase and a large number of inexperienced workers enter the industry; consequently, the number of fatalities increases," he commented.
Preventing this increase is a primary concern, said Mr Walker. "I don't want to be talking in 12 months time about a tragic rise of people who have been killed simply doing their job."
Farming company fined
Despite the drop in farming work accidents, the HSE has still issued a warning about the potential risks of using incorrect workplace transport.
The advice comes after a Devon firm was prosecuted over the serious personal injury to an employee while transporting steel panels on a farm.
Richard and Matthew Triggs, partners of RT Trailers and Farm Buildings Limited of Park Cottage, Frogmore, Kingsbridge, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £50,000 and ordered to pay costs of £10,000 at Exeter Crown Court.
The accident occurred when the shutter of a trailer used to load steel panels, slipped and fell over, crushing worker David Farr. The injury caused him to lose his right leg.
Speaking after the hearing, the HSE principal inspector, Andrew Kingscott, said: "This accident demonstrates the serious - and sometimes very personal life-changing - consequences of failing to assess risks and properly planning work activity when lifting and transporting heavy components.
"In this particular case, the decision to use the trailer to transport the panels and the system of work adopted were both flawed. What initially appeared to be a simple job ended in tragedy. Employers have a duty of care towards their employees and the partners in this company manifestly failed in theirs."
Updated on 7/1/2009