Farmers are being reminded that they must change their attitude towards safety as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) begins a wave of inspections over the coming months. The HSE will be visiting farms across Great Britain throughout the winter of 2023 and into Spring 2024 with plans to carry out 440 visits during the campaign. The programme of inspections will focus on the main causes of death and serious injury in farming, including falls from height.
People on farms are 21 times more likely to be killed in a workplace accident than other sectors. In total, there have been 161 deaths on Britain’s farms over the last five years – an average of 26 people each year. This includes members of the public and children.
The visits, which began at the end of October, will focus on the main causes of death in farming, including working with cattle, operating and maintaining vehicles, and falls from height. They will also look at risks to members of the public, which often means the management of cattle around public rights of way, as well as child safety on the farm.
There are many simple actions farmers can take to reduce the key risks:
- When using and maintaining vehicles follow the ‘Safe Stop’ procedure and use adequate props during maintenance.
- When handling cattle, ensure good handling facilities are in place and used and that you have considered protection of members of the public when cattle are kept in field with public access.
- When considering working at height; avoid doing the work yourself – use a professional contractor instead. Don’t ever be tempted to use the wrong equipment – being lifted in the bucket of a telehandler or forklift truck is illegal, as is walking or working on fragile roof materials.
- When considering children on farms, try and avoid them being there in the first place. If this isn’t possible, then full and complete supervision is required.
By making safety a priority, you can make your farm a safer place to work, leaving you secure in the knowledge that you, your family and your farming business are protected. And, with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) charging £163 per hour for any interventions they have to make when inspecting your business, it also makes sound financial sense.
For help and advice on putting a health and safety system in place, please contact our Health & Safety team on 01981 590514 or visit Agricultural Health & Safety Help Service | CXCS
