FARMERS ARE being urged to take more care as the latest Health and Safety Executive figures reveal that five people have been killed in the Scottish agricultural sector in the last 12 months.
Across Britain, the statistics showed that no less than 33 people were killed in agriculture in 2017/18 – three more than the previous year – cementing farming's reputation as the riskiest industry to work in, with a fatal injury rate around 18 times higher than the average across all the UK's industrial sectors.
The five people were killed in Scottish farming this year brings the total number of people killed over a five-year period to 34, giving an average of seven deaths per year, which is the highest average of all the UK regions.
Speaking from rural insurers Lycetts, William Barne said: “Agriculture’s high fatality rate significantly outstrips that of other industries – it is more than five times higher than the second most-risky industry, construction, which really drives home just how hazardous an industry it is.
“Farmers face potentially fatal risks on a daily basis, from working with unpredictable animals to potentially dangerous machinery, so protecting personal and employee health should be top priority. Sadly, members of the public, family members and children living on the farm also get caught up in incidents and account for some of the overall deaths."
Mr Barne acknowledged that here had been 'great strides' taken in farm health and safety over the past decades, with the number of fatal injuries to workers in agriculture actually falling by around half since 1981 – but a death rate 18 times that of other industries clearly still needed a lot of work.
The HSE figures highlighted that nearly half – 48% – of the agricultural workers killed in Britain were over 65, and that almost twice as many self-employed people were killed as employees.
Risk manager Richard Wade commented: “Unwise risk-taking is an underlying problem in the agricultural industry, and the most vulnerable are hit the hardest. The fatal injury rate for over 65s was nearly five times that of younger workers.
"Many farmers are working well past their retirement age, with little to no help, so physically, and cognitively, they are put under a lot of strain. These factors mean they may not appropriately assess or mitigate risks. Sadly, some of these deaths are a result of freak accidents, but others are preventable," he stressed.
“By implementing health and safety policies, carrying out robust risk assessments and undertaking health and safety training, farmers can ensure good practice is an integral part of their business, creating a safer environment for them, their workers, and the wider community – as well as help protect the future of their business. Death and injury can have a devastating impact on family and friends, so the value of doing so is immeasurable.”
For in-depth news and views on Scottish agriculture, see this Friday’s issue of The Scottish Farmer or visit www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk
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