Accident Prevention Campaign
The HSE has launched a new safety campaign to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by accidents involving vehicles on farms.
The HSE reminds us farms are amongst the most dangerous types of working environments. Farm vehicles have an important role on working farms, but they must be used safely to avoid fatal life threatening and serious injuries to farm workers and farm visitors.
Who Is the Health & Safety Executive HSE?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is a UK government agency responsible for the encouragement, regulation and enforcement of workplace health, safety and welfare, and for research into occupational risks in Great Britain. It is a non-departmental public body of the United Kingdom with its headquarters in Bootle, England.
The HSE was established in 1975 under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. It was created to merge the functions of the Factory Inspectorate, the Mines Inspectorate, and the Civil Aviation Inspectorate.
The HSE is responsible for enforcing health and safety law in all workplaces in Great Britain, including factories, offices, shops, farms, and construction sites. It also conducts research into occupational health and safety risks, and provides advice and guidance to employers and employees on how to comply with health and safety law.
Why Now: The Statistics
HSE’ statistics list farming as having the highest number of fatal and serious injuries of all industry and work sectors in Britain.
Over the last five years, the average rate of fatal injuries in farming sector was 21 times higher than the average across all industries.
HSE’s Head of Agriculture, Sue Thompson, said that this is ‘a shocking statistic’.
The latest statistics for farm accidents in the UK are as follows:
- In 2021/2022, there were 25 deaths in agriculture.
- Over the past five years, there have been 123 deaths in agriculture.
- The rate of fatal injuries in agriculture is 21 times higher than the average rate across all industries.
- The most common causes of death in agriculture are:
- Being struck by moving vehicles
- Being struck by objects
- Contact with machinery
- Falling from a height
The HSE is working to reduce the number of farm accidents by providing advice and guidance to farmers, by enforcing health and safety law, and by funding research into occupational health and safety risks.
What Caused the Farm Accidents?
Accidents involving vehicles are the primary cause of deaths and serious injuries on farms. Vehicle accidents were the cause of 30% or nearly a third of all injuries causing death on farms in the last five years. 48 people lost their lives in farm vehicle accidents.
The most common causes of serious farm accidents are:
- Being struck by moving vehicles
- Being struck by objects
- Contact with machinery
- Falling from a height
- Being trapped by something collapsing or overturning
- Contact with electricity
These accidents can happen for a number of reasons, including:
- Poor safety practices
- Lack of training
- Unsafe equipment
- Fatigue
- Stress
The HSE is working to reduce the number of serious farm accidents by providing advice and guidance to farmers, by enforcing health and safety law, and by funding research into occupational health and safety risks.
The Farming Sector in The UK Has Serious Injuries Due to A Number Of Factors:
- The nature of farming work. Farming work is often physically demanding and can be dangerous. Farmers often work with heavy machinery, livestock, and dangerous chemicals. They may also be exposed to extreme weather conditions.
- The isolation of farming communities. Farming communities are often isolated, which can make it difficult for farmers to get help in an emergency.
- The lack of safety training and equipment. Many farmers do not receive adequate safety training or equipment. This can make it difficult for them to identify and avoid hazards.
- The long hours and stress of farming. Farmers often work long hours and are under a lot of stress. This can make them more likely to make mistakes.
The HSE is working to reduce the number of serious injuries in the farming sector by providing advice and guidance to farmers, by enforcing health and safety law, and by funding research into occupational health and safety risk
Farming Overtaken Construction with Most Serious Injuries
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the construction sector in the UK had the highest number of serious injuries. In 2021/22, there were 123 workers killed in work-related accidents, of which 36 were in the construction sector. The HSE also estimates that there are 61,713 injuries to employees reported under RIDDOR in the construction sector.
There are a number of reasons why the construction sector has a high number of serious injuries. One reason is that construction work is often physically demanding and can be dangerous. Another reason is that construction sites can be complex and hazardous, with a variety of potential hazards, such as falling objects, machinery, and electrical hazards.
The HSE is working to reduce the number of serious injuries in the construction sector by providing advice and guidance to employers and employees, and by enforcing health and safety law. The HSE also funds research into occupational health and safety risks, and into ways to improve safety in the construction sector.
HSE’s Campaign To Reduce Deaths And Injuries On Farms
HSE’s new campaign asks farmers to take action in three areas of their farming activities: Farmers are encouraged to reduce the risk of serious injury on their farms by:
1.Operating A Safe Farm.
HSE recommends keeping people and vehicles apart to reduce the risk of serious injuries on farms. This can be done by using clearly marked routes and walkways, with additional barriers and posts used in high traffic areas. Visibility is also key to safety, so HSE recommends using signs, good lighting, and high visibility clothing to ensure that everyone on the farm can be seen.
By following these tips, farmers can help to create a safer working environment for everyone on the farm.
2. Maintaining A Safe Vehicle.
Maintaining a safe vehicle means detecting and repairing faults as part of the regular routine, rather than causing injury by leaving it too late.
Here are some tips on how to maintain a safe vehicle:
- Check your vehicle regularly. Check your vehicle regularly for any problems, such as loose bolts, cracked tires, or leaks.
- Repair any problems immediately. If you find any problems with your vehicle, repair them immediately. Do not wait until the problem gets worse.
- Keep your vehicle clean. A clean vehicle is a safe vehicle. Clean your vehicle regularly to remove any dirt or debris that could cause problems.
- Use the right equipment. Use the right equipment for the job. Do not use equipment that is not in good condition or that is not the right size for the job.
- Be careful when driving. Be careful when driving your vehicle. Do not drive too fast or too recklessly.
- Wear a seatbelt. Wear a seatbelt at all times when driving your vehicle. A seatbelt can save your life in an accident.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your vehicle safe and prevent accidents.
3. Being A Safe Driver on A Farm
Obey all traffic laws. This includes obeying speed limits, stopping at stop signs and red lights, and yielding to pedestrians.
Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the people and animals around you, and be aware of the terrain.
Drive slowly. It is important to drive slowly on a farm, as there are often obstacles in the way.
Use caution when turning or backing up. Be sure to check your mirrors and blind spots before turning or backing up.
Be aware of the equipment you are driving. Make sure you know how to operate the equipment safely.
Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is especially important on a farm, as it can lead to accidents.
Wear a seatbelt. This is important for your safety, as it can help prevent serious injuries in the event of an accident.
Take breaks when you are tired. Do not drive when you are tired, as it can lead to accidents.
Get regular maintenance on your vehicles. This will help prevent accidents caused by mechanical problems.
Have a plan in case of an accident. Know what to do if you are involved in an accident.
Following these tips can help you be a safe driver on a farm and prevent accidents.
Safety Steps for Farms
There are a number of additional things that farmers can do to reduce serious injuries on farms. These include:
- Following safety procedures. Farmers should always follow safety procedures when operating machinery, handling livestock, and using chemicals.
- Using safe equipment. Farmers should use safe equipment that is in good condition.
- Training and education. Farmers should receive training and education on safety practices.
- Taking breaks. Farmers should take breaks when they are tired or stressed.
- Reporting accidents. Farmers should report all accidents to the HSE.
- Taking care of themselves. Farmers should take care of themselves by eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly.
By following these tips, farmers can help to reduce the number of serious injuries on farms.
HSE’s Guidance for Farm Safety
- Safety measures when driving:
- Turn uphill when working across a slope and descend straight down the gentlest gradient.
- Check that loads are stable, secure and within appropriate weight limits.
- Avoid reversing wherever possible.
- Only carry passengers of recommended age on a passenger seat.
- Safety measures for telehandlers and lift trucks:
- Operators must be trained and licensed.
- Equipment must be regularly examined.
- Safety measures for quad bikes and ATVs:
- Drivers must be licensed and wear helmets.
- Tyres and brakes must be in good condition.
- Safety measures for all vehicles:
- Brakes, mirrors, reversing cameras, cab structures and access steps must be in good condition.
- Unsafe machinery must be disabled or isolated.
- Cabs, bodies and trailers must be securely propped up when work is being carried out underneath them.
Suffered An Accident or Injury on A Farm
If you have a serious injury on a farm, the first thing you should do is seek immediate medical attention. If you are unable to get to a hospital, call 911 or your local emergency services.
If you are able to, try to stabilize the injury. This may involve applying pressure to a bleeding wound or immobilizing a broken bone.
Once you have received medical attention, it is important to document the accident and your injuries. This will help you to file a claim with your insurance company.
It is also important to follow all of your doctor’s instructions for recovery. This may include taking medication, attending physical therapy, or avoiding certain activities.
If you have any questions or concerns about your injury, you should contact your doctor and Claim Today for your rightful Compensation.
Claim Today Here for You After Any Farm Injury
Serious injuries on farms can have devastating consequences for the victim, their family, and the farm itself. They can also lead to financial hardship and legal problems.
If you are injured on a farm, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. You should also report the accident to your employer and to the appropriate government agency like the HSE.
We can help you with all these steps the claim time is as soon as you can Call us on 0800 29 800 29
Farm Accident or Injury Claim Today Backing you 100% since 1999
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