HSE Agricultural Bulletin

05/12/2011 - The HSE Agricultural bulletin is out now, below is an extract of the news.

 

As this is the last bulletin for 2011 and the festive season will soon be upon us and we would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and of course, a healthy and safe 2012.
 
In this edition, we look at the recently published statistics, which once again show that farming is the most dangerous occupation in the UK.  The number of incidents listed below also serves as a reminder of this.  The stories behind the figures have a profound and lasting effect on the lives of the families and on the businesses concerned.
 
Please take extra care at this time of year, when working in the dark, in inclement weather and when working alone. 

Review of Health and Safety Regulation

Employment Minister Chris Grayling commissioned the independent review in March 2011 and appointed Professor Ragnar Löfstedt - Director of the King's Centre for Risk Management at King's College, London - to chair it.  Professor Löfstedt has made recommendations aimed at reducing the burden of unnecessary regulation on businesses while maintaining Britain's health and safety performance, which is among the best internationally
The full report can be found on the DWP website
 

Fatals and injury statistics

The latest published statistics show that of the 171 workers who were killed at work last year 34 fatalities were workers in the agriculture. Once again, agriculture, forestry and fishing have the highest fatality rate of any sector. Fewer than one in a hundred employees work in agriculture, but about one in ten fatal injuries to employees are in the sector.
 
More details of all industry statistics: HSE Statistics
Agriculture specific statistics: Agriculture Statistics 
 

Safety and Health Awareness Days (SHADs)

BBC's Countryfile programme screened on 20 November featured a SHAD hosted by farmer and presenter, Adam Henson, at his Cotswold Farm Park. About 250 local farmers watched a series of practical demonstrations and picked up a number of key tips on a range of topics including safe handling of livestock and the use of ATVs. BBC Countryfile
Follow Adam's advice and find out if there is a SHAD being held in your area by visiting our SHAD Diary page
 
 More stories can be found at HSE News Centre