From quad bike accidents to animal attacks, farming still kills and injures more people than any other industry in the UK and Ireland. To mark the start of Farm Safety Week, HSE has announced its shocking latest fatal figures:
- 30 people were killed in agriculture in Great Britain during 2016/2017 – compounded by 2 or 3 members of the public killed – a record the industry must improve.
- Of the 27 deaths involving workers over half (52%) of fatalities were under 65 years
- The five main causes of a fatal injury were transport-related (30%) something collapsing (20%) struck by objects (17%) electricity (10%) fall from height (7%), Livestock (7%)
The nation’s critically acclaimed bar-based-braveheart, The Pub Landlord, Al Murray, has now revealed his role in saving a young farm worker’s life when he was 12 to support the fifth annual Farm Safety Week. For years, Al did not admit the role he played when 18-year-old farm worker Chris Brown, got his right arm trapped in a baler on a farm in Walsham-le-Willows, near Bury St Edmunds.
Today marks the start of Farm Safety Week and Farm Safety Foundation, the charity behind Farm Safety Week, has launched an emotive film to warn the people of the UK about the dangers of the farming industry. The film features James Chapman, who unfortunately lost his arm working with machinery.
For more information on Farm Safety Week visit www.yellowwellies.org