UK Farmers are being warned that they must undergo improved risk management and adopt safer working practises in a sector that has one of the worst records in fatalities.
The warning comes from insurer Aviva, as part of its 2009 Simply Safety campaign and aimed at an agricultural industry that is becoming increasingly diversified as farmers look to increase their income source and respond to new consumer demands.
On average, 46 workers in the agricultural industry are killed each year, with many more injured. Of those deaths 24% are caused by farm vehicles, either knocking workers over or vehicles overturning, with around 17% caused by falling from height. Of the 464 deaths during the past ten years, 26 were children under the age of sixteen.
Phil Grace, Aviva’s liability risk manager offers the following advice to agricultural workers:
“Taking the following steps will help to protect your livelihood, your workers and any other individuals who may be affected by work activity. First, identify any hazards, for example what machinery is being used or whether children are present and could be injured. Then assess the risks and introduce the appropriate controls. Make sure employees have the correct instruction and training to use equipment or carry out their job and identify and provide any protective equipment that is required. This could range from wearing the correct protective equipment when using sheep dips to making sure the floor in a farm shop is clean and safe.”
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